Dili, Timor-Leste — Nelson Barros Pereira Xavier, a physically disabled pro-West Papua and pro-Palestine activist, was arrested today at the Cathedral in Dili, Timor-Leste, for expressing solidarity with West Papua and Palestine.
According to Cesario da Silva, Coordinator of the Association of Disabled Persons’ Organization (ADTL), who was present with Nelson during the arrest, the action represents a violation of freedom of expression.
“In this situation, as people with disabilities, we also have the freedom to express ourselves in our own ways. What Nelson did was not an insult to anyone but an expression of solidarity with Papua and Palestine. Nelson’s expression did not and will not impact the security of the country or the event,” Cesario said in a WhatsApp interview.
Cesario recounted the circumstances of Nelson’s arrest. Nelson, along with the ADTL team, went to welcome Pope Francis to the Cathedral. While waiting, Nelson wanted to express his thoughts and wrote “Free West Papua” and “Free Palestine” on the flags he was holding—one of East Timor and one of the Vatican. The intelligence police later confiscated the flags. Initially, it seemed that the police action would be limited to this, but after His Holiness had left the Cathedral, a large team from the security forces came to take Nelson for questioning. I personally accompanied him to the road, and the police informed us that they would take him to the police station. However, I was not informed of the exact location where they took him, as they asked me to stay behind. I will continue to seek more information.
Nelson was released after a few hours of questioning by the Timor-Leste Police Investigation Unit.
“Police investigated me. They informed me that the case will be forwarded to the public prosecutor office, and I may be called to answer for it later,” say Nelson via WhatsApp message.
During Pope Francis’ visit, this incident marks the second arrest of an activist merely for showing solidarity with the suffering of other countries. A week ago, Nelson Roldão, a Timorese human rights activist supporting the pro-West Papua movement, was arrested at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili while accompanying a West Papuan activist traveling back to his home country. His arrest sparked protests, but he was released later that afternoon by the Timor-Leste National Police Investigation Unit after being questioned.
