For Immediate Release
AIUSA media office, 202-509-8194
Amnesty International Activists to Rally to Urge President Obama to Seek the Release of Two Prisoners of Conscience During his Diplomatic Trip to Indonesia
Rally will take place to urge the release Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, who were charged with acts of treason and sentenced to prison for raising a flag
WASHINGTON - Amnesty International activists will rally prior to President Obama's trip to Indonesia to encourage President Obama to put pressure on the Indonesian government to release two Amnesty International prisoners of conscience, Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage, who have been unfairly sentenced to 15 and 10 years in prison, respectively, for participating in a peaceful protest for Papuan independence and raising the outlawed Morning Star flag.
The rally will be held one week before President Obama and his family departs for Indonesia to strengthen ties between the United States and the world's most populous Muslim nation.
The event will feature activists with flags, banners, and posters with messages directed at President Obama and Indonesian President Yudhoyono, along with music and chants. There will be speakers from Amnesty International as well as East Timorese Action Network (ETAN).
EVENT: Rally to Free Indonesian Prisoners of Conscience: Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage
DATE: Saturday, March 13, 2010
TIME: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Lafayette Park, across from the White House
We are people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights. Our purpose is to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. We investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world.