US Senators to Suharto: Free Fernando Araujo

United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

October 5, 1992

Dear President Suharto:

We are writing to express our concern about the arrest and detention of Fernando de Araujo, an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience and a 1992 recipient of the Reebok Human Rights Award.

Last November 24, Mr. de Araujo was arrested in his home and charged with subversion. The charges were based on his leadership role in organizing non-violent protest demonstrations in response to the Santa Cruz massacre in Dili twelve days previously. Mr. de Araujo has been sentenced to nine years in prison despite the lack of any evidence that he has advocated, or engaged in, violent activities against the state.

We appeal to you and to your government to recognize the right of individuals to express peaceful dissent to government policies and to demonstrate this recognition through the immediate release of Fernando de Araujo from prison.

Thank you for your consideration of our views.

Sincerely,

John Kerry, US Senator
Edward Kennedy, US Senator
Joe Moakley, Member of Congress
Claiborne Pell, US Senator
Alan Cranston, US Senator
Patrick Leahy, US Senator

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