May 2015: While Jokowi releases five, nearly 500 are arrested

In brief

At the end of May 2015, there were at least 47 political prisoners in Papua.

The recorded number of arbitrary arrests in Papua has reached a record high, with at least 487 people arrested during May. In our last update, we reported on the mass arrests of 264 people who participated in activities on 1 May commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the administrative transfer of Papua to Indonesia. On 20 to 28 May, security forces further clamped down on peaceful political protest by arresting 223 Papuans who participated in demonstrations supporting a bid by the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) to become an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Pre-emptive arrests deliberately targeted people who planned to take part in peaceful demonstrations, particularly those from the West Papua National Committee (Komite Nasional Papua Barat, KNPB).

Just over a week following the mass arrests on 1 May, Indonesian President Joko Widodo granted clemencies to five Papuan political prisoners and announced that foreign journalists were no longer banned from entering Papua. These initiatives, which were quickly hailed by some Indonesian and international press as a ‘breakthrough’ and ‘historic’, are completely at odds with the repressive approach taken by security forces in Papua at the same time. The glaring discrepancy between the Jokowi’s rhetorical promises and the repressive actions against Papuans highlights his lack of control over security forces in Papua. Furthermore, contradictory statements issued by several Indonesian ministers and security leaders against Jokowi’s plans for opening Papua to foreign journalists suggest ‘business as usual’. The establishment of the ‘Foreign Monitoring Team’ which appears to assume the role of its predecessor, the Clearing House Committee, of vetting visa applications of foreign journalists suggests that the Indonesian government has little intention of allowing free and open access to Papua for foreign journalists, humanitarian organisations and human rights observers.

Out of the 487 people arrested in May, at least 11 men remain detention in Manokwari, Biak, Nabire and Kaimana. At least seven of them are facing vague and broad charges of incitement under Article 160 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. These latest charges and mass arrests raise new fears of a further clamp down on democratic rights as Papuans continue to voice their support for MSG membership. There are increased concerns that Indonesia will continue to put a muzzle on free speech during this period of political uncertainty surrounding membership with the MSG.

On 8 May, Areki Wanimbo was acquitted of charges of conspiracy to commit treason and released from Wamena prison. The last treason case to be acquitted was that of Papuan leader, Theys Eluay, some 14 years ago; he was later assassinated. While Wanimbo’s acquittal is a welcome step, serious questions still remain regarding the techniques used by the police in building up cases against indigenous Papuans. In Wanimbo’s case, as in many others, insufficient evidence is often used as the basis of prolonged detention and prosecution.

Arrests

223 people arrested for supporting ULMWP bid for MSG membership

Papuan civil groups report that from 20 to 28 May, at least 223 people were arrested in Jayapura, Manokwari, Biak, Wamena, Jayapura, Nabire, Yahukimo and Manado for participating in peaceful activities supporting a bid by the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) to become an associate member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Peaceful demonstrations planned to take place across Papua on 21 May were the first to be targeted, with at least 128 people arrested. On 28 May, a further 87 people were arrested when a second round of demonstrations took place.

Out of the 223 arrests, nine people remain in detention. Four men – Alexander Nekenem, Yoram Magai, Othen Gombo (alias Maikel Aso) and Novi Umawak (alias Narko Murib) – are currently detained in Manokwari and are facing charges of incitement under Article 160 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. Three other detainees – Apolos Sroyer, Dorteus Bonsapia and Wamoka Yudas Kossay – in Biak also face charges of incitement. In Nabire, Yafet Keiya and Ottis Munipa remain in detention although it is currently unclear what charges they face.

20 to 21 May arrests

Manokwari

Manokwari-based human rights sources reported that on 20 May, 75 people were arrested for taking part in a demonstration in support of the ULMWP bid for MSG membership. According to a West Papua National Committee (Komite Nasional Papua Barat, KNPB) report, demonstrators gathered at 08:00 Papua time but were hindered from carrying out the demonstration by a joint task force consisting of Manokwari police, military and Mobile Brigade (Brigade Mobil, Brimob) officers.

KNPB leader Alexander Nekenem, who led the demonstration, negotiated with police to allow the demonstrators to carry out a 20-minute prayer session before dispersing. During the prayer session, demonstrators received word that nine people who were on their way to the demonstration from Kwai, a nearby village, had been arrested. When demonstrators tried to ask the police for an explanation, security forces reacted by arresting Alexander Nekenem. He was beaten with batons and kicked on arrest. Security forces forcibly dispersed the crowd by shooting teargas in their direction. Two demonstrators, Agus Bagau and Marthen Agapa, suffered injuries as a result of being hit by teargas bullets. Local sources reported that in total 75 people were arrested, some of whom were beaten on arrest. This included the arrests of several demonstrators who attempted to disperse peacefully by boarding taxis leaving the site of the demonstration. They were stopped by police and Brimob officers who forced them out of the taxis and arrested them. One of the demonstrators, a student named Yunus Yikwa, was reportedly arrested because he was taking photos of the arrests.

According to local reports, security forces also fired tear gas outside the compound of Amban Primary School, which was in the vicinity of the site of the demonstration. As a result, three schoolchildren aged four to seven suffered pain in the eyes and difficulty breathing.

The 75 detainees were taken to the Manokwari Brimob Headquarters. Human rights sources reported that the detainees were subjected to ill-treatment in detention. Police investigators hit some of those detained on the back of their necks and forced those covered in body paint to remove it with paint thinner. Police reportedly threatened that they would remove the paint with grindstones or razorblades if the detainees refused to follow their instructions. The detainees were also reportedly subjected to racist taunts by police officers who said that “All Papuan men are drunks who beat women” and that Papuan women were better off marrying Javanese men “so that their children would be intelligent”.

Six of the 75 detainees were separated from the others and interrogated without legal representation. Tribal heads and families who attempted to visit the detainees to give them food were refused access. The following day, on 21 May, 71 of the detainees were released. One of those released, Hendrikus Marian, was threatened by officers as he waited outside the Brimob Headquarters after his release. Brimob officers had reportedly threatened to “pluck his eyes out” if he did not leave immediately. The six detainees who underwent further interrogation reportedly did not receive any food for two days. Shortly afterwards, two of the six detainees were released.

The four men who remain in detention are Alexander Nekenem, Yoram Magai and Othen Gombo (alias Maikel Aso), who are KNPB members, and Novi Umawak (alias Narko Murib), a student. According to lawyers from LP3BH (Institute for Research, Investigation and Development of Legal Aid, Lembaga Penelitian, Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Bantuan Hukum) in Manokwari, at least two of the men were interrogated without legal representation. The four detainees have been charged with incitement under Article 160 of the Indonesian Criminal Code which carries a maximum sentence of six years.

Biak

On 20 May, two men were arrested in relation to a demonstration in support of the ULMWP bid for MSG membership. According to lawyers from KontraS Papua (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan Papua), KNPB members submitted a notice of demonstration to Biak police the previous day. Police reportedly called on the leaders of the demonstration to report to the Police Station. In response to this demand, on 20 May, at around 15:00 Papuan time, Apolos Sroyer and Dorteus Bonsapia visited Biak Regional Police Station. Sroyer, the Head of the Biak People’s Local Parliament (Parlemen Rakyat Daerah, PRD), and Bonsapia were two of three people who had signed the notice of demonstration. They were interrogated overnight and transferred to Biak City District Police Station the following day. Both men were charged with incitement under Article 160 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.

The following day, on 21 May, 17 people were arrested outside of Darfuar market in Samofa district, Biak, for carrying out the planned demonstration. KNPB sources reported that Biak police forcibly dispersed the demonstration and confiscated three KNPB flags, a camera and a phone. While 12 people were released shortly after, five KNPB members were detained for further interrogation at Biak Regional Police Station. They were released after several hours of interrogation but are required to report to the police daily.

On 22 May, Wamoka Yudas Kossay, one of the five KNPB members, was charged with incitement when he reported to the police. He was interrogated without legal representation and was only asked if he wanted a lawyer after investigators completed the Police Investigation Report (Berita Acara Pemeriksaan, BAP) for his case. He was also charged with incitement under Article 160 and was transferred to Biak City District Police Station to be detained.

Reports from lawyers with KontraS Papua stated that on 23 May plainclothes officers from the Biak Regional Police searched Apolos Sroyer’s home without a search warrant. Police reportedly took photos of his home, his relatives and in particular a map of the states belonging to the MSG that was hung in the front terrace of his house.

Apolos Sroyer, Dorteus Bonsapia and Wamoka Yudas Kossay are currently still detained in Biak City District Police Station. All three men face charges of incitement under Article 160.

Jayapura

On 20 May, six KNPB members were arrested in Sentani for distributing flyers advertising a demonstration in support of the ULMWP that was planned to take place the following day. The six men were brought to Jayapura Regional Police Station for interrogation. Upon reaching the Station, the six men were forced to walk in a squatting position for 100 metres. They were detained for eight hours before being released without charge.

On 21 May, police raided the KNPB secretariat office in Sentani and arrested 27 members reportedly in a bid to stop the planned demonstration from taking place. They were detained in East Sentani District Police Station. 25 of the 27 detainees were released shortly after. According to a report by the KNPB, the two remaining detainees, Oni Tepmul and Pukinus Wonda, were beaten while being interrogated. They were released several hours later.

Manado

On 21 May, Hiskia Meage, the Head of the Central Indonesia branch of the KNPB was arrested by three intelligence officers in Tomohon in North Sulawesi province.

Intelligence officers followed Meage as he was on his way back to Tomohon from Manado where he took part in a public discussion in support of the ULMWP bid for MSG membership. Meage was ill-treated on arrest and detained in Tomohon City Regional Police Station. According to local KNPB reports, police stated that the reason for Meage’s arrest was that he was wearing a t-shirt with a Morning Star flag design. He was released several hours later.

28 May arrests

Jayapura

On 28 May, 52 people were arrested in various locations in Jayapura in relation to their participation in events supporting the ULMWP bid for MSG membership. Most of those arrested were KNPB members.

At around 09:15 Papuan time, 31 KNPB members were arrested on the campus of Cenderawasih University (Universitas Cenderawasih, UNCEN) during a demonstration supporting the ULMWP. According to reports by the KNPB, several people suffered injuries due to excessive force used by Jayapura police. As a result of being beaten with rifle butts, one KNPB demonstrator suffered a deep gash on the head. Another demonstrator sustained a broken tooth as a result of beatings. 8 other KNPB demonstrators on their way to join the demonstration at the UNCEN campus were arrested in Expo Waena.

At 11:10, another group of demonstrators who had peacefully gathered outside the office of the Papuan Provincial Parliament (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Papua, DPRP) in Taman Imbi were forcibly dispersed by police. Eight KNPB members were arrested. Abetnego Tenoye, a 19-year-old demonstrator, was repeatedly stamped on by police officers. In response to these arrests, other KNPB members gathered outside the DPRP offices shortly afterwards to demand the release of those who had been arrested. Police responded by arresting five more KNPB members and seized items such as KNPB flags, banners, handphones and cameras belonging to the demonstrators.

It is believed that all 52 men arrested were detained in Jayapura Regional Police Station and released after several hours.

Nabire

Eight people were arrested during a press conference organised by the KNPB in support of the ULMWP bid for MSG membership in Nabire. Two of the eight men were members of Nabire People’s Local Parliament (Parlemen Rakyat Daerah, PRD), while the rest were KNPB members. The newspaper Majalah Selangkah reported that two of those arrested, Yafet Keiya and Ottis Munipa, currently remain in detention in Nabire Regional Police Station. It is unclear what charges they are facing.

Wamena

Information received from the Advocacy Network for Upholding Law and Human Rights (Jaringan Advokasi Penegakan Hukum dan HAM Pegunungan Tengah Papua, JAPH&HAM) reported the arrests of 33 people in Wamena during a peaceful demonstration in support of the ULMWP bid or MSG membership. They were detained at Jayawijaya Regional Police Station for six hours before being released without charge.

Yahukimo

Two people were arrested by police when a peaceful gathering was broken up by police in Yahukimo. KNPB reports stated that police were heavy-handed in the way they dispersed the demonstration. The two detainees were beaten on arrest and interrogated in Yahukimo Regional Police Station. It is believed that they are no longer in detention.

Releases

Five political prisoners in Wamena ammunition raid case released

On 9 May 2015, Apotnalogolik LokobalNumbungga TelenggenKimanus WendaLinus Hiluka and Jefrai Murib were granted presidential clemencies. President Joko Widodo told the newspaper Kompas that the pardons were “granted as part of a reconciliatory framework to create a peaceful Papua”. A press release by the five men issued the following day stated that they had urged for the release of other political prisoners, including those from Maluku. They had also urged the President to guarantee their safety following their release, and for a stop to the arbitrary arrests of Papuans. President Jokowi reportedly responded that he would speak to security forces regarding this issue.

Before returning to their home villages in Wamena on 23 May, the five men underwent medical examinations. They had experienced torture and ill-treatment on arrest and in detention, and as a result have suffered long-term damage to their health. In December 2011, Jefrai Murib suffered from a stroke which has caused paralysis on the right side of his body. Murib requires long-term treatment and physiotherapy in order for his condition to remain stable.

The five men were originally arrested in April 2003, along with two other men – Kanius Murib and Michael Heselo – who have since passed away. On 31 August 2007, Heselo died while in Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar. From 2008, Murib suffered from nerve damage and mental illness. He was placed under the care of his family a few months before his death in December 2012.

Areki Wanimbo released

On 8 May 2015, Areki Wanimbo was acquitted of conspiracy to commit treason and released from Wamena Prison. According to Papuan newspaper Jubi, Chief Judge Benyamin Nuboba stated that there was insufficient proof of Wanimbo’s involvement in buying firearms and ammunition, as the Prosecution accused. Wanimbo had been arrested on 6 August 2014 along with two French journalists and four Papuan men. The journalists, who met with Wanimbo while trying to report on the ongoing conflict in Lani Jaya, were sentenced to two-and-a-half-months imprisonment for breaching Article 122 of Law 6/2011 on Immigration.

Latifah Anum Siregar, a lawyer with the Democracy Alliance for Papua (Aliansi Demokrasi untuk Papua, AlDP) who represented Wanimbo, told Jubi that this was the first time in 14 years that a treason suspect has been acquitted. She noted that the only case before that was that of Papuan leader Theys Eluay. The Public Prosecutor in Wanimbo’s case has, however, stated his intention to appeal the verdict to Indonesia’s Supreme Court.

Political trials and cases overview

Detainees for Lanny Jaya torture case charged with possession of firearms

Lawyers from AIDP have reported that Kamori Murib and Kelpis Wenda both face charges of possession of firearms under the Emergency Law 12/1951. During a court hearing on 27 April 2015, Murib was visibly unwell and was still experiencing pains as a result of the torture he suffered on arrest on 9 December 2014. As a result, the court hearing was postponed. However, during the following court hearing on 7 May, Murib was still feeling unwell due to the lack of adequate medical care provided to him. Defense lawyers from AlDP and the Papua Legal Aid Institute (Lembaga Bantuan Hukum, LBH Papua) have pressed for Murib to obtain a proper medical consultation to get a diagnosis of his illness.

Former political prisoner Stefanus Banal receives leg operation after repeated postponement

Information received by the Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of Franciscans of Papua (Sekretariat Keadilan Perdamaian dan Keutuhan Ciptaan Fransiskan Papua, SKPKC Jayapura) reported that on 20 April former political prisoner Stefanus Banal received an operation to remove metal rods which had been inserted to realign a broken shin bone. He was arrested in May 2013 and suffered serious injuries to his leg as a result of being shot by police in Oksibil in Pegunungan Bintang Regency. Shortly after his arrest, Banal was sent to Bhayangkara Police Hospital where he received insufficient medical healthcare. Local human rights investigators reported that the operation to remove the inserted metal rods had been postponed by hospital doctors over a period of six months.

Alapia Yalak rearrested

Information received from local human rights investigators reported that on 21 May 2015 Alapia Yalak, the Head of the Yali tribe in Yahukimo, was rearrested after fleeing Wamena Prison in February. Due to difficulty obtaining information on this case, Papuans Behind Bars last reported on this case in June 2014.

On 4 June 2014, Yalak was arrested for an act of arson. Human rights workers reported that he had not committed such an act but was arrested due to his refusal to accept bribes by government officials in exchange for convincing his tribe to support Special Autonomy (Otonomi Khusus, Otsus).On arrest, Yalak suffered cruel and degrading treatment, being forced to crawl naked into a holding cell and severely beaten.

Yalak was tried without a lawyer and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in Wamena Prison. It is unclear what charges he was sentenced under. Yalak escaped prison in February 2015, and returned to his home district of Dekai in Yahukimo the following month. On 5 May 2015, a joint security task force raided his house in Dekai and arrested him. He is believed to currently be detained in Dekai Regional Police Station and is reportedly suffering from malaria. It is unlikely that he is receiving sufficient medical treatment. Local sources reported that he will be transferred to Wamena to be tried. He is currently not receiving any legal accompaniment.

News

Jokowi announces lifting of ban on foreign media to Papua

On 10 May, a day following the granting of clemencies to five political prisoners, President Jokowi announced the end of restrictions to foreign journalists seeking to enter Papua. Despite this announcement, shortly after, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno and Papua National Police Spokesman Sr. Comr. Agus Rianto issued statements contradicting this indicating that foreign journalists would continue to be screened before being issued visas for Papua. The Clearing House Committee, which consisted of 18 separate government agencies tasked with vetting visa applications from foreign journalists, has been renamed the ‘Foreign Affairs Monitoring Team.’ It is uncertain if the vetting process will remain the same, or if there will be a change in regulations.

Human rights lawyer Latifah Anum Siregar awarded Gwangju Human Rights Prize

Latifah Anum Siregar, a human rights lawyer in Papua, has been awarded the 2015 Gwangju Human Rights Prize. Siregar, who is also the chairperson of AlDP, represented Areki Wanimbo and the five men in the Wamena ammunitions raid case, all of whom were released this month, and continues to provide legal representation for several other political prisoners still currently behind bars. On 16 September, Siregar was attacked in Wamena on the way back to her hotel after a pre-trial hearing for Areki Wanimbo’s case. It is believed that she may have been targeted for her involvement in the trial. Wanimbo has since been acquitted of all charges (see Releases).

Elsham Papua calls on Jokowi to address past human rights abuses in Papua

Jubi reported that on 7 May the human rights NGO Elsham Papua issued a press release calling for President Jokowi to prioritise the resolution of human rights abuses in Papua. Elsham Papua Director Ferdinan Marisan highlighted previous cases such as Bloody Biak in 1998, Bloody Wamena in 2003 and more recently Bloody Paniai in December 2014, amongst others. The press release included recommendations to the President to issue an official apology to Papuans for decades of human rights violations, an end to the stigmatisation of Papuans as separatists, and to bring perpetrators of violence and human rights violations, particularly in the security forces, to account.

ICP meeting in European Parliament discuss human rights in Papua

On 5 May, the International Coalition of Papua (ICP) held a public discussion at the European Parliament highlighting the situation of human rights in Papua. Ana Gomes, a Member of the European Parliament, Reverend Dora Balubun and Reverend Albert Yoku of the Protestant Church in Papua (Gereja Kristen Injili Tanah Papua, GKI-TP) were amongst the speakers at the event. Following the public discussion, the ICP issued a statement calling on Indonesia to end the use of excessive force by security forces in Papua, to review the security policy in Papua by involving broad participation of civil society, and to release all political prisoners without any condition, amongst others. The statement also urged the European Union to highlight increasing violations in Papua in its Human Rights Dialogue with Indonesia and to send a human rights fact-finding mission to Papua in the near future.

May 2015 Papuan Political Prisoners

No Prisoner Arrested Charges Sentence Case Accused of violence? Concerns reported re legal process? Prison/

Place of detention

1 Yafet Keiya 28 May 2015 Uncertain Police investigation pending MSG demo in Nabire Uncertain Uncertain Nabire
2 Ottis Munipa 28 May 2015 Uncertain Police investigation pending MSG demo in Nabire Uncertain Uncertain Nabire
3 Wamoka Yudas Kossay 22 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Biak Uncertain Uncertain Biak
4 Apolos Sroyer 20 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Biak Uncertain Uncertain Biak
5 Dorteus Bonsapia 20 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Biak Uncertain Uncertain Biak
6 Alexander Nekenem 20 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Manokwari Uncertain Uncertain Manokwari
7 Yoram Magai 20 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Manokwari Uncertain Uncertain Manokwari
8 Othen Gombo 20 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Manokwari Uncertain Uncertain Manokwari
9 Novi Umawak 20 May 2015 Article 160 Awaiting trial MSG demo in Manokwari Uncertain Uncertain Manokwari
10 Ruben Furay 1 May 2015 Uncertain Police investigation pending Kaimana 1 May 2015 Uncertain Uncertain Kaimana
11 Sepi Surbay 1 May 2015 Uncertain Police investigation pending Kaimana 1 May 2015 Uncertain Uncertain Kaimana
12 Domingus Babika 1 May 2015 Unclear Police investigation pending Manokwari 1 May 2015 Uncertain Uncertain Manokwari Regional Police Station
13 Dr Don Flassy* 14 April 2015 Articles 106, 55(1),53(1) On bail KIP treason arrests Uncertain Uncertain Bailed, city arrest, cannot leave Jayapura
14 Dr Lawrence Mehue* 14 April 2015 Articles 106, 55(1),53(1) On bail KIP treason arrests Uncertain Uncertain Bailed, city arrest, cannot leave Jayapura
15 Mas Jhon Ebied Suebu* 14 April 2015 Articles 106, 108(2), 55(1), 53(1) On bail KIP treason arrests Uncertain Uncertain Bailed, city arrest, cannot leave Jayapura
16 Onesimus Banundi* 14 April 2015 Articles 106, 108(2), 55(1), 53(1) On bail KIP treason arrests Uncertain Uncertain Bailed, city arrest, cannot leave Jayapura
17 Elias Ayakeding* 14 April 2015 Articles 106, 160 On bail KIP treason arrests Uncertain Uncertain Bailed, city arrest, cannot leave Jayapura
18 Kelpis Wenda 17 March 2015 Emergency Law 12/1951 On trial Lanny Jaya torture Yes Yes Wamena
19 Kamori Murib 9 December 2014 Emergency Law 12/1951 On trial Lanny Jaya torture Yes Yes Wamena
20 Yosep Siep 9 July 2014 Articles 187, 164 1 year Pisugi Election Boycott Yes Yes Wamena
21 Ibrahim Marian 9 July 2014 Articles 187, 164 1 year Pisugi Election Boycott Yes Yes Wamena
22 Marsel Marian 9 July 2014 Articles 187, 164 1 year Pisugi Election Boycott Yes Yes Wamena
23 Yance Walilo 9 July 2014 Articles 187, 164 1 year Pisugi Election Boycott Yes Yes Wamena
24 Yosasam Serabut 9 July 2014 Articles 187, 164 1 year Pisugi Election Boycott Yes Yes Wamena
25 Alapia Yalak 4 June 2014 Uncertain Police investigation pending Yahukimo arrests Yes Yes Papua Police Headquarters
 26 Jemi Yermias Kapanai 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
27 Septinus Wonawoai 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
28 Rudi Otis Barangkea 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
29 Kornelius Woniana 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
30 Peneas Reri 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
31 Salmon Windesi 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
32 Obeth Kayoi 1 February 2014 Articles 106, 108, 110 and Emergency Law 12/1951 3.5 years Sasawa military raid arrests Yes Yes Sorong
33 Soleman Fonataba* 17 December 2013 Articles 106, 110)1, 53, 55 1.5 years city arrest, appeal pending Sarmi 2013 Melanesian flag arrests No / not yet clear No On bail, cannot leave Sarmi
34 Edison Werimon* 13 December 2013 Articles 106, 110)1, 53, 55 1.5 years city arrest, appeal pending Sarmi 2013 Melanesian flag arrests No / not yet clear No On bail, cannot leave Sarmi
35 Piethein Manggaprouw 19 October 2013 Articles 106, 110 2 years Third Papuan Congress demo in Biak No Yes Biak
36 Oktovianus Warnares 1 May 2013 Articles 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 7 years Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration Yes Yes Biak
37 Yoseph Arwakon 1 May 2013 Articles 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 2 years and 6 months Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration Yes Yes Biak
38 Markus Sawias 1 May 2013 Articles 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 2 years Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration Yes Yes Biak
39 George Syors Simyapen 1 May 2013 Articles 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 4.5 years Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration Yes Yes Biak
40 Jantje Wamaer 1 May 2013 Articles 106, 110, Emergency Law 12/1951 2 years and 6 months Biak flag-raising, 1 May commemoration Yes Yes Biak
41 Isak Klaibin 30 April

2013

Articles 06, 107, 108, 110, 160 and 164 3 years and 6 months Aimas 1 May commemoration No Yes Sorong
42 Jefri Wandikbo 7 June 2012 Articles 340, 56,  Law 8/1981 8 years KNPB activist tortured in Jayapura Yes Yes Abepura
43 Darius Kogoya 1 May 2012 106 3 years 1 May demo and flag-raising No No Abepura
44 Wiki Meaga 20 November 2010 106 8 years Yalengga flag-raising No Yes Wamena
45 Meki Elosak 20 November 2010 106 8 years Yalengga flag-raising No Yes Wamena
46 Filep Karma 1 December 2004 106 15 years Abepura flag-raising 2004 No Yes Abepura
47 Yusanur Wenda 30 April 2004 106 17 years Wunin arrests Yes No Wamena

* While these detainees have been bailed and are not currently behind bars, they continue to face charges and are currently undergoing investigation. As they are vulnerable to re-arrest, we will continue to monitor any developments in these cases.

 Demo
KNPB demonstrators gather outside the Papuan Provincial Parliament (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Papua, DPRP) offices in Taman Imbi, Jayapura, in support of the ULMWP bid for MSG membership. The demonstrators also called on the Government to open democratic space and allow foreign journalists into Papua.
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