Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Attacks, disappearances and killings by unknown persons are now part of daily life for West Papuans

Free West Papua Campaign


Attacks, disappearances and killings by unknown persons are now part of daily life for West Papuans
OCTOBER 17, 2017
The statement below has been written by West Papuan Independence Leader Benny Wenda, following a spate of brutal human rights violations committed towards West Papuan people this month.
This month, several West Papuan people, particularly activists from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) have been intimidated, attacked and killed by the Indonesian police and so called “unknown persons”.
  •  On 14th October, in Port Numbay (Jayapura), 19 year old West Papuan activist Alex Sambom from the KNPB went missing and the next day was found dead. He had been stripped naked and brutally murdered. It is believed that he was beaten to death with wood.
  • On 16th October, also in Port Numbay, West Papuan student activist Rosalina Fonataba was attacked in a hit and run attack by suspected members of the Indonesian police. She suffered wounds on her hands and feet and it is believed she was targeted after uploading photos with the West Papuan flag on social media.
  • On 16th October, in Dogiyai, West Papuan man Petrus Iyai was brutally beaten until bloodied by the Indonesian police mobile brigade (BRIMOB), for demanding his rightful pay after dropping off 2 passengers at Moanemani airport.
  • On 8th October, in Sorong, Indonesian police confiscated 4 West Papuan traditional bilum bags with the West Papuan flag on them. When asked why, they replied, “Because it’s terrible and violates the law”.
  • On 4th October and 16th October, West Papuan students studying in Indonesia were terrorised by the Indonesian police as their student dormitories in Manado and Tomohon were been searched and raided by the Indonesian police.
  • There have also been many other cases of intimidation, harassment, torture and killings against West Papuan people in recent weeks



  • Indonesian police in Sorong pose with the West Papuan bilum bags confiscated for having the West Papuan flag on them.


  • full report at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.