AWPA condemns the shooting of two high school students

AWPA condemns the shooting of two high school students in Timika

AWPA condemns the shooting of two high school students in Timika on Monday the 28 September by the Indonesian security forces. The incident occurred around 19.30hrs.

Caleb Bagau aged 18 died while his friend Efrando Sabarofek aged 17 was wounded in the chest and legs. He is receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Mimika, Papua. The family, local community and religious leaders have condemned the shootings.

At approximately 19.00hrs while the students were sitting in a market culvert with their school friends, dozens of police officers armed with weapons and cars surrounded the area.

Because they were afraid the two students ran however the police shot in their direction killing Caleb Bagau and wounding Elfrando who was shot in the chest and leg.

One report said the reason the police arrived was that it was because the students were reported for making a noise. Another report indicated they were pursued by the police because their fathers are reported to be members of the OPM.

Joe Collins of AWPA said "The shooting of the two students by the security forces shows yet again that the Indonesian security forces can act with impunity in West Papua. AWPA believes that the Indonesian President should ensure that not only is this incident investigated but that all cases of human rights violations committed by the security forces in West Papua are investigated and those found guilty of human rights abuses prosecuted".

The police chief apologised and admitted the incident but tried to claim the shooting was in self-defense.
The Families of the students rejected the apology from the Chief of Police Papua, Inspector General (Pol) Paul Waterpauw.

ENDS

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