Update on law enforcement process against KNPB leader Adam Sorry – Public prosecutor seeks a sentence of 11 years

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Published on Thursday, 04 February 2021 04:34

On 26 January 2021, the public prosecutor demanded a sentence of eleven years imprisonment for Adam Sorry (see image, source: Suara Papua), the chairman of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) branch office in Maybrat Regency. Sorry is currently standing trial at the Sorong District Court. He was charged with Article 170 (2) & (3) of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) on collective violence resulting in injuries & death as well as Article 338 KUHP on homicide. The latter article carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. His lawyers claim that the trial is an attempt to criminalize Adam Sorry for his political views and the affiliation with the KNPB, a political movement organisation, promoting the right to self-determination through peaceful activities. Trial will continue on 9 February with the defence plea.

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More IDPs in Intan Jaya - Residents fled violence in Ndugusiga

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Published on Wednesday, 03 February 2021 15:53

The number of IDPs from Intan Jaya displaced due to the conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN PB) and Indonesian security forces was estimated at 13,000 people in November 2020. This number continues to increase as more security forces are deployed to the area. Benyamin Weya, Member of Parliament in Intan Jaya (DPRD Intan Jaya) said that the Ndugusiga village people had fled and vacated the village after a fight between the TPN PB and military forces took place on 22 January 2021. He explained that the village evacuation was carried out as a prevention at the warning given by joint security force representatives in Intan Jaya. The military leadership was giving constant warnings and threatened to shoot all people in Ndugusiga if the village is not cleared. The evacuation started on 23 January 2021.

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Update on pre-trial against Merauke Police Chief - Judge rejects release of 13 political activists

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Published on Tuesday, 02 February 2021 04:15

On 25 January 2021, the judge, Ganang Hariyudo Prakoso, ruled that the Merauke Police Chief and his men had acted following criminal procedures as stipulated in the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). The verdict implies that the judicial process against the 14 members of the West Papua National Coalition (KNPB) activists (see image, source: independent HRD) will continue. They have been charged for allegedly engaging in treasonous activities. Thirteen of them had initiated the pre-trial. According to the activists and their lawyers, members of the Merauke District Police had committed multiple procedural violations during arrest and detention on 13 December 2020, including arbitrary arrest and torture.

Update on IDP situation in Mimika – First IDPs return to their villages

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Published on Wednesday, 27 January 2021 06:03

In the past few days, 571 internally displaced persons from the villages Opitawak and Banti 1 have returned to the Tembagapura District. The return from Timika was facilitated by the Mimika local government and the mining company PT Freeport Indonesia in cooperation with the military. Papuan lawmaker, Laurenzus Kadepa, urged all parties not to restrict or disturb the villagers in and around their settlements after he received information that the IDPs were gathered in a shelter in Tembagapura and prevented to return to their homes. The vice-regent of Mimika Regency, Johannes Rettob, explained in an interview with the media outlet Jubi that all sick people, children, elderly people and pregnant women will for the time being not be allowed to return because they face higher health risks. All IDPs will reportedly receive a medical check-up before return.

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Update on arbitrary detention and torture of 14 activists in Merauke – Pre-trial against Merauke Police Chief

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Published on Sunday, 24 January 2021 05:51

Thirteen activists of the West Papua National Committee have filed a pre-trial challenging the legality of their arrest by members of the Merauke District Police on 13 December 2020. Their lawyers argue that the detention was illegal because it violated multiple provisions of the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). They demand the unconditional release of all 14 detainees. Police officers allegedly tortured the activists and failed to arrange warrants before the police operation and promptly inform the relatives about the arrest. The pre-trial against the Merauke District police chief, Untung Sangaji, was launched on 18 January 2021.

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Eighteen IDPs died in Jayawijaya due to lack of medical attention

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Published on Friday, 22 January 2021 12:10

The last update on IDPs' situation in Nduga affirmed that according to solidarity groups, 400 IDPs have died between January 2019 and November 2020 in Jayawijaya alone due to diseases and other strains they face there. Jubi has reported that as many as 18 refugees from Nduga Regency, Papua in Jayawijaya Regency died in various refugee locations during the past month. "This has happened since 24 December, 2020 until now. Already 18 people died. Those are Nduga refugees in Jayawijaya, refugees in other areas we don't know. Today two refugees are in critical condition", said Raga Kogeya via a phone call to Jubi on Wednesday 20 January 2021. He said that sometimes two to three refugees die in a day. The age range of those who died was 18 to 50 years.

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