AN INDEPENDENCE campaigner wanted by Interpol last night said he still feels safe in his Oxford home.

Benny Wenda, 36, of Marston Road, is the subject of a red notice issued by the international police organisation which states he is wanted by the CID of Papua Regional Police who accuse him of murder and arson.

A red notice means other police forces are expected to arrest a suspect, although Thames Valley Police yesterday said they knew nothing about Mr Wenda’s case.

Dad-of-six Mr Wenda yesterday denied the allegations and told the Oxford Mail he was not in the country at the time of an attack on a police station in Indonesian Papua (also known as West Papua) on December 7, 2000.

He claims he is being targeted by the Indonesian authorities because of his political campaigning for the freedom of Western Papua, including rallies in Oxford.

Despite the threat of deportation to Indonesia, where Mr Wenda claims he would be tortured and would not receive a fair trial, the 36-year-old said he believes he has enough support in the UK to help him fight the order.

He said: “That’s why I’m speaking to free my country as soon as possible. I hope I’ve got enough grassroots support to help me speak out against the Indonesian Government.”

Since escaping jail and fleeing his homeland in 2002, Mr Wenda has been campaigning for independence for Western Papua, which is ruled by Indonesia.

He has lived in Oxford for almost 10 years.

Since discovering he is wanted by Interpol Mr Wenda said he has received reports from his homeland that members of his family have been targeted by the Indonesian government. He only became aware of his most wanted status after searching his name online.

He is being supported by charity Fair Trial International. Jago Russell, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Interpol must remove the politically-motivated red notice against Benny.”

Billy Wibisono, of the Indonesian Embassy, said: “It should be noted that Mr Wenda escaped during his trial.”