Jayapura, Jubi – Jackub Fabian Skrzypsi, a Polish citizen convicted of treason, was granted parole on September 22, 2023, from the Abepura Prison in Papua’s Jayapura City. His legal counsel, Latifah Anum Siregar, made this announcement on October 27, 2023.
“Skrzypsi’s original sentence was 7 years, and he had already served five years, making him eligible for parole as he had completed two-thirds of his sentence,” said Siregar.
In May 2019, the Wamena District Court had sentenced Skrzypsi to 5 years in prison, along with another defendant, Simon Magal, who received a 4-year sentence. Both were found guilty of trading firearms with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
Following an unsuccessful appeal at the Jayapura High Court, Skrzypsi and Simon Magal filed a cassation with the Supreme Court, which, on November 20, 2019, upheld the 7-year sentence.
Siregar noted that Skrzypsi’s parole process was lengthy, requiring permission from Interpol. It involved various procedures, including obtaining guarantees from the Ambassador, a local citizen, and a notification letter from Interpol. Even with all the necessary documentation, Interpol’s permission was a critical factor for his release.
During the parole period, Skrzypsi is obliged to report monthly to the Correctional Center (Bapas) and the Immigration Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Papua. Furthermore, he is not allowed to leave Indonesia until 2025.
Any travel outside of Papua within Indonesia requires Bapas’ permission, and due to his foreign nationality, Immigration’s involvement is necessary. Skrzypsi represents the first case of a convict obligated to report to Immigration. (*)
