On 1 May in Timika, 15 people who took part in a flag-raising ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the administrative transfer of Papua to Indonesia, were arrested and detained in Mimika police station. Local human rights investigators have reported that at least two civilians were injured in this incident when Mimika Regional police fired into the crowd. Five of the 15 men – Domi Mom, Eminus Waker, Yacob Onawame, Musa Elas and Alfisu Wamang – continue to be detained in Timika prison.
Another human rights source has reported that the five men have been severely tortured and intimidated by police in detention. Three of the five men – Musa Elas, Yacob Onawame and Alfisu Wamang – have been suffering from deteriorating health. Their families had requested Mimika Regional police officials to provide them with adequate medical treatment at a hospital but they have reportedly been denied access to treatment. While it is not clear if their waning health is due to ill-treatment from the police, there have been reports that the men were severely beaten in detention.
Sources
“Tiga Tahanan Pengibar Bintang Kejora di Mimika Sakit,” Majalah Selangkah, 1 August 2013, http://majalahselangkah.com/content/tiga-tahanan-pengibar-bintang-kejora-di-mimika-sakit
“AI Minta Investigasi Independen Untuk Insiden 1 Mei,” Tabloid Jubi, 10 May 2013, http://tabloidjubi.com/2013/05/10/ai-minta-investigasi-independen-untuk-insiden-1-mei/
“KNPB Serukan Aksi Nasional Bagi Korban 1 Mei 2013,” Suara Papua, 8 May 2013, http://suarapapua.com/2013/05/knpb-serukan-aksi-nasional-bagi-korban-1-mei-2013/
“16 Warga Sipil ditangkap di Timika,” KNPB News, 2 May 2013, http://knpbnews.com/blog/archives/1720
Last updated: 7 August 2013
