World Video | Defence | Fiji | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | More Categories

 


Police Brutality in Nabire, Papua

Note: Abridged translation from West Papua Media Alerts crew. Information received sporadically and separately, then translated and compiled; has not been reconfirmed. However West Papua Media Alerts has taken isolated decision to post this information due to the nature of the illustrative photographs contained herein and no further communication.from the original informants

PHOTOGRAPHS EMERGE OF FURTHER INDONESIAN POLICE BRUTALITY IN NABIRE, PAPUA
http://rapidshare.com/files/257639338/nabire_jun25-abuse_foto.rar

Photographs and eyewitness testimony is continuing to emerge from Nabire, West Papua, of continued and systemic Indonesian police brutality on peaceful demonstrators, including the unprovoked shooting of Melkias Agapa by paramilitary personnel, amid reports of continuing torture of political prisoners. The following is compiled from several reports from West Papua sources.

In light of major reports released by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International into widespread institutionalised human rights abuses of ordinary West Papuans, and emerging reports of Indonesian military violence against civilians across the border in Papua New Guinea, these photographs offer compelling proof of failure the Indonesian police to limit arbitrary violence and excessive force.

Eyewitnesses and Human rights Workers in Nabire, Papua have also reported that 16 civilian member's of the National Committee West Papua (KNPB), Nabire branch, detained last April 6 after Police shot demonstrators (see http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/09/2539161.htm), have been subjected to inhumane treatment after being moved to Prison in Nabire. Initial reports were that police arrested 28 people including a mother, but the remainder was released due to insufficient evidence. At this time 16 people remain in custody pending trial. Human rights workers in Nabire brought lawyers from Jayapura to accompany 16 people who were arrested at the time of a solidarity action for the launch of International Lawyers for West Papua (ILWP) in Guyana on April 5 2009

On June 25, a demonstration was held in Nabire in solidarity with the trial of April 6 detainees. According to reports, civilians were attacked by Police and plain clothes personnel with rattan, boots, and beaten with rifles by police. Ms Monica Zonggonau experienced severe injuries to her cerebellum (description received) because of being beaten. She required evacuation and medical treatment in Timika. Witnesses who have made formal complaints are reportedly being beaten and intimidated by the security apparatus in, according to a human rights worker speaking via phone. Photographs clearly show plain clothes personnel and civilian market traders (in sarongs) using police riot equipment.

Between 1400 and 1500 on June 25, Melkias Agapa (38) was shot dead by Police at his home in Nabire. Eyewitnesses where the incident occurred described that Mr Agapa was shot dead at his house by 4 police and 2 intelligence officers from Nabire POLRES. “I witnessed with my own eyes, my relatives in a group were shot by four police in full riot armour and equipment,” one eyewitness described.

Eight bullets from an automatic rifle were still lodged in Agapa’s body when it was taken by Nabire District Police for examination. District Police Chief NABIER AKBP Drs Rinto Djatmono admitted that the member was guilty and would be processed in accordance with the current law. "My subordinate was guilty, and we will be pursuing this case" he revealed.

In a tragic twist, Simon Petrus Hanebora the district head of Metago, Nabire regency said during the demonstration, Melkias was overcome by severe malarial symptoms. Under suspicion by the police after the demonstration, he was then sick in the market which disturbed market visitors. Police intervened and shot him.

Human Rights workers in Nabire have called for the international community to immediately respond to the widespread arbitrary arrests and detention by security forces in West Papua, and to push for a just resolution. “Our condition is that we are really threatened. We need protection from the international community,” he said.

ENDS

 
 
World Headlines

 

Lack Of Evidence: ICC Dismisses Case Against Darfurian Rebel Leader

The International Criminal Court (ICC) today declined to confirm the charges made against a rebel leader accused of directing the September 2007 attack that killed a dozen African Union peacekeepers in Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region, citing ... More >>

DR Congo: Over 8,000 Women Raped By Combatants

The number of women raped in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual violence committed by warring factions has become endemic, topped 8,000 last year, according to fresh estimates released by the United Nations Population Fund ... More >>

ALSO:

The Real Na'vi: Tribal People Appeal To James Cameron

Tribal peoples’ rights organization Survival International has appealed to Avatar director James Cameron on behalf of an Indian tribe through an ad in the film industry magazine Variety. More >>

Haiti: Racing Against Time, UN Seeks Shelters

The United Nations said today it is racing against time to bring in hazard-resistant tents for Haiti’s earthquake victims before the rainy season starts, provide sufficient agricultural input to save the next planting season, and raise greatly increased ... More >>

ALSO:

Whaling: Japanese Authorities Breach Human Rights

The Japanese government breached a series of internationally guaranteed human rights by detaining two Greenpeace activists who had uncovered major corruption in the Japanese whaling programme, according to a working group of the United Nations Human Rights ... More >>

Israel: Army Raids Ramallah To Arrest Activists

Israeli soldiers raided a Ramallah apartment around 3AM to arrest a Spanish and an Australian activist over expired visas in direct violation of the Oslo Accords. At three in the morning, the Israeli army forcefully entered an apartment in the Area ... More >>

United Nations: Meetings Put Spotlight On Pacific Development

Three high-level United Nations meetings will take place in Vanuatu next week, bringing together top UN officials, other development partners and leaders from the Pacific to assess the challenges faced by the region and to map out strategies to spur development ... More >>

Again ? Bob Barker Rammed By Illegal Whaler

At 1209 PM Fremantle, Australia time, the Yushin Maru 3 intentionally rammed the Sea Shepherd ship Bob Barker, penetrating it's hull and endangering the lives of it's crew. The collision occurred at 65 degrees 21 South, 67 degrees 58 East, about ... More >>

ALSO:

Ethical Disinvestment: Church Of England To Sell Stake In Vedanta

In a shock move, the Church of England decided today to disinvest from controversial miner Vedanta Resources on ethical grounds, dealing a devastating blow to the company’s credibility. More >>

MOST READ HEADLINES

More RSS  RSS
 
 
 
powered by newsagent
NZ independent news