Johan Teterissa, a primary school teacher, is serving a 15-year sentence for leading a peaceful protest. He was arrested with 21 activists in 2007 during a government-organised event in Ambon, the capital of Maluku province, attended by the President of Indonesia. The protestors performed a traditional war dance and unfurled the Benang Raja flag, perceived by government authorities to be a symbol of the Republic of South Maluku independence movement.

During this arrest, and the first few weeks of detention, Johan Teterissa was tortured by police. Despite being seriously injured, Johan Teterissa has never received adequate medical treatment and is now in constant pain. In addition to failing to provide adequate medical care from prison doctors, the prison authorities have also denied access to external medical treatment. On 15 July 2010, an independent doctor visited the prison to try to see Johan Teterissa but was turned away.