Nine people shot at the Third Congress of West Papua People

Nine people shot at the Third Congress of West Papua People yesterday

Nine people were killed as Indonesian military and police officers stormed and shot the Third West Papuan People congress participants today.

“We strongly condemn the barbaric attacks against civilians” said Amatus Dauw, the Coordinator of International Forum for West Papua. “It is our rights to determine our future; we have been supressed by the Indonesian government for nearly fifty years”.

The congress is designed as an avenue for West Papuans to decide on future development in the region and to empower indigenous Papuans in all aspects of life. The congress will be used to formulate a strategy for the West Papuans’ future. Attended by 2000 people from different organisations including West Papuan National Authority, Free Papua Organisation (TRN/OPM) the Congress was held in Zakeus court, Tunas Harapan Aberpura, Jayapura. It was opened with the blessing of seven tribal chiefs. The prayings were held in seven different languages.

Forkorus Yaboisembut, the chair of the Papuan Customary Council was quoted in Papuan media sources as saying that the Congress is “part of the struggle of indigenous Papuans to enforce their fundamental rights.” He argued that Papuans are not seeking to undermine or destroy Indonesia, however, “we strive to uphold our fundamental rights, including political rights, including the right to independence as a nation…. And whatever be produced, the Government of Indonesia should able to appreciate it.”

It was reported from sources in Papua that there were 300 people were arrested.

We demand human rights, governments around the world to condemn the inhuman acts of Indonesian security apparatus. We also need international community to support the self determination of West Papua.

Yours Sincerely,

Amatus Dauw

ENDS

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