A brief summary of the rallies in the various regions

A brief summary of the rallies in the various regions 

based on KNPB reports and articles in local media

Local media in West Papua has reported that over  200  people were arrested (or questioned) in the rallies held yesterday, the 16 September in West Papua to commemorate International day of democracy which falls on the 15 September. It is understood that they have all been released 

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Wamena

KNPB mass and Society in Wamena when peaceful protest in Tiananmen Sinapuk . ( JUBI / ISLAMIC )

Although they did  not get permission from the police, the West Papua National Committee ( KNPB ) with thousands of people in Wamena held a  peaceful protest  in commemoration of the International Day of Democracy .

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Timika

In Timika the security forces   monitored  the gathering  including conducting patrols in the area  and checking IDs and taking photos of those taking part. They had also parked  and armoured car next to the gathering.

More photos at

http://knpbnews.com/blog/archives/2714#more-2714

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Merauke

In Merauke activities included a rally and  the signing of a petition. It was also to show  support for the policies of the Vanuatu Prime Minister and the MSG urging the MSG to follow up on its statements at their forum.

More photos at

http://knpbnews.com/blog/archives/2711

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Biak

Although forbidden by the police the rally went  ahead. The action was to support the Government of Vanuatu to bring West Papua to the annual General Assembly of the UN and to also urge  the MSG countries to follow up on the MSG final decision in June  in Kanaky in relation to West Papua. The action was  under the watchful eye of the  police but  the rally   remained  peaceful.

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Nabire

In Nabire, 14 KNPB  activists were arrested and beaten. Equipment belonging to the organisers was confiscated by the police. They  activists were  finally released from the police station at the urging of the  Speaker of Parliament Nabire Meepago region, Abel Nawipa. The rally was also to show support for  Powes Parkop  governor of Port Moresby campaign " Sorong to Samarai".

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Sorong

In Sorong the  peaceful demonstration was forcibly disbanded by the  military  and police. A total of 27 demonstrators were arrested and intimidated, including the Chairman of the Regional KNPB Sorong. Police also confiscated  the entire organisers  equipment. Those arrested  were taken to the police station but were  released in the  afternoon. 

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Jayapura area

The rallies  in Jayapura was forcibly disbanded by the TNI and police. The police used tear gas to break up one rally.

TEAR GAS fired  (PHOTO: ARNOLD Belau) Jubi

                                                                        KNPB News

(Foto; ARNOLD BELAU/Suara Papua)

According to the KNPB records, 249 people arrested in total . Jayapura city 12 people , 159 people Sentani , Housing III Waena 3 , Nabire 14 people and 32 people Sorong .

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