NEW ARRESTS IN SARAWAK - TORTURE USED TO EXTRACT INFORMATION
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There have been several arrests in Sarawak since May, relating to
the Berawan's struggle for legal recognition and protection of
the customary land rights. A resort complex ('Borsamulu' resort)
has been built on land that the Berawan have lived on for genera
tions.
The Berawan people of Long Terawan have protested it's construc
tion, since the project began. They are calling for their rights
to the land to be recognised and for the right to control their
own development. The Berawan have been guiding international
tourists in the area and have their own plans for culturally and
ecologically sensitive tourism operations.
The resort is located near the world famous Gunung Mulu caves
(the longest cave system in the world). Among the shareholders of
this resort are family members of the Chief Minister of Sarawak,
Taib Mahmud.
Joseph Ugum was arrested on the 11th of May in connection to a
fire in the generator house and an observatory building at the
new hotel resort. He is the newly elected headman of his communi
ty of Long Terawan and has won respect and confidence through his
service to the community - especially in leading the struggle for
land rights in the Malinau region. It is not known whether he has
been released.
Gary Willie and Solomon were released on bail on the 16th of May.
They were punched, kicked and slapped on the face, abdomen and
legs. They were forced to sign statements admitting to the burn
ing of the generator and observatory tower.
As a result of his injuries, Willie passed blood from his anus.
Subsequent medical reports prove that he was tortured.
Another man, John Barah, was arrested in connection to the case.
His office was raided and he carried out a hungerstrike while
detained for interrogation. He was released last week.
A court date has been set for the 26th July for a charge of 'fire
by mischief'. It is unclear who has actually been charged, but if
found guilty this offence carries a maximum sentence of up to 20
years.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Given Malaysia and Sarawak's history in cases like this - there
are grave fears that the so-called 'justice' system will once
again be used to oppress, abuse and intimidate the indigenous
people and their legitimate struggle for their rights.
International actions can express outrage at the barbaric human
rights abuses already exacted against the Berawan people in this
case and appeal for the charges against those representatives
mentioned above to be immediately quashed. Please keep in contact
with the Rainforest Information Centre or other action groups in
your area for future activities.
1994 is 'Visit Malaysia Year'. Noting that the Berawan case re
lates to tourism and therefore relates to Malaysia's image
abroad, now is the time to remind the Malaysian and Sarawakian
government that this image will be severely tarnished if they
continue acting with such flagrant disrespect for human and in
digenous rights.
Please write a letter of protest to:
Dato Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammed Tan Sri Haji Taib Mahmud
Prime Minister of Malaysia Chief Minister of Sarawak
Jabatan Perdana Menteri Bangunan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Jalan Dato Onn Petra Jaya 50502 Kuala
Lumpur 93300, Kuching Malaysia.
Sarawak, Malaysia
Malaysian Tourism Development Corperation PO Box 10328, 50710
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
and to the Malaysian Consulate in your area.
International support has also been requested to help fund legal
costs and to support families of those who may be arrested. If
you can make a donation please send it to:
Berawan Support Fund, The Rainforest Information Centre, PO Box
368 Lismore, NSW 2480.
For Further action: Broadcast quality footage of the Berawan
community of Long Terawan, images of some of the representatives
who were recently arrested, and photographs of the area and the
resort, is available from the Rainforest Information Centre.