Jayapura, Jubi – Political prisoner Filep Karma has refused sentence cuts granted to prisoners by the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights to mark independence day.

The head of Abepura Prison, Bagus Kurniawan told Jubi on Saturday (29/8/2015) that Filep Karma is still in jail.

"No, not yet. Who said he's free? We have not received the decree from Jakarta. Media are often corrupted by rumors. We will inform media if he got remission or otherwise inform him if he received the Independence Day's remission," Bagus said.

When further asked about the decree, if it was received, does it mean Karma should be free, he said it would be informed later to prisoner. We will told him and his family about the decree approving his release and he would be free by law," he said.

But, according to Filep Karma, he will be still in jail for at least 3.5 years because he refused all remission offered.

"I was punished by the Indonesian Court to be sentenced for 15 years. But, now I was pushed to get my freedom on 17 August 2015. Based on my account, I will still spend my time in jail for three and half years because I refused all remission," Karma told Jubi some times ago.

According to him, he refused to be granted based on his attitude during his prison. It would be acceptable if it was granted because of the political prisoner aware of his mistake or changes his ideology and proclaim Indonesia as his country.

"I don't agree with that because this regulation was applied for criminals. It made as if the political prisoners are those who criminalized. It should be offered through political terms, such as he was granted for pardon in condition he signed a statement of loyal to Indonesian Government. I refused it. And now it's offered without any condition, so I also refused it because I didn't commit any crime," he said.

According to the Prison Head, he is also still waiting for decree from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, since Filep Karma sent a letter of rejection concerning to his remission. "Mr. Karma has sent a letter to Jakarta stating his rejection upon the remission. So, we are just waiting," he said.

When urged with a question what about the political prisoner insisted to be in jail although the decree of release is issued, he said it depends on next decision. "Just wait. The Decree has not issued yet," he said briefly.

"I, Filep Karma, herewith refuse remission of my detention in the commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day on 17 August. My independence day is the independence day of West Papua on 1 December," stated Karma who was sentenced for 15 years prison since 2004. (Roy Ratumakin/rom)

Source: http://tabloidjubi.com/en/2015/09/01/abepura-prison-head-denies-filep-karma-is-free/