Filep Karma is known as a passionate supporter of Papuan independence. He led the Morning Star flag raising action in Biak in 1998 and was sent to jail. He was released two years later.
He carried out a similar action and was accused of treason for holding a Papua independence anniversary celebration on December 1, 2004. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison but was finally eventually on November 19, 2015.
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He was released after receiving a remission, which he refused, from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. He was critical of Jokowi administration under which he alleged that human rights violations in Papua have worsened. (un)