TRIBAL leader Benny Wenda is celebrating after he was removed from an Interpol wanted list.

Father-of-six Mr Wenda, pictured above with his son Michael three, is a refugee from Indonesia and has been campaigning for West Papuan independence.

After being accused by the Indonesian authorities of murder and arson, he was subject to an Interpol red notice placing him at risk of extradition to Indonesia.

But after Fair Trials International campaigned on his behalf, the red notice against him has been removed.

Mr Wenda, who lives in Marston Road, Oxford, was granted political asylum in the UK in 2003. He said he was delighted that the notice, issued last year, has been lifted.

He said: “I was accused of murder and arson but it was all lies.

“I now have greater freedom to travel outside the UK to continue my campaigning.

“When the red notice was in place there was more danger that I could be extradited and I think I would be arrested if I ever went back to Indonesia.”

The pressure group Fair Trials International campaigned on Mr Wenda’s behalf.

Chief executive Jago Russell said: “Interpol should be used to fight serious crime but Indonesia has been misusing it to threaten a peaceful political activist.”

Picture: OX53613 Ric Mellis