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https://en.jubi.id/paham-papua-calls-for-impartial-probe-into-michelle-kurisis-death/
1) PAHAM Papua calls for impartial probe into Michelle Kurisi’s death
News Desk - Michelle Kurisi Ndoga Murder
4 September 2023
Wamena, Jubi – Human Rights Lawyers Association (PAHAM) Papua demands a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of Michelle Kurisi, a civilian who was tragically killed on August 28, 2023, in Kolawa District, Lanny Jaya Regency, Mountainous Papua Province.
Following Michelle Kurisi’s murder, a statement claiming responsibility for the act was made by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) spokesperson, Sebby Sambom. The TPNPB alleged that the victim had collaborated with security forces and had engaged in spying activities during her visit to Nduga, where she was collecting data on refugees, including information related to the release of Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot hostage.
Gustaf R. Kawer, the chairman of PAHAM Papua, emphasized that the focus of the investigation should not be to find a scapegoat or advance a politically motivated narrative. Instead, it should prioritize an independent inquiry that delves into the victim’s daily life, her occupation, work-related relationships, and her mission to Nduga, including identifying the institutions or parties she was collaborating with. It is crucial to determine who was with her until she met her tragic end.
“Based on PAHAM Papua’s digital tracing and monitoring efforts,” Gustaf Kawer stated in a press release, “it appears that the victim had close ties with several high-ranking police officers in Papua and was actively involved in various conflicts in the region.”
Therefore, there is a pressing need for an in-depth, impartial investigation into Michelle Kurisi’s death by a neutral entity. This will help prevent claims and narratives driven by political interests.
Kawer stressed the importance of gathering witnesses and evidence, including the victim’s digital footprint, her recent activities, and communications with various parties, particularly during her trip to Nduga. These elements are critical in unraveling the motive behind her murder.
Furthermore, the victim’s participation in a webinar titled “Indonesia Walk Out Why?” hosted by Bishop Joshua Tewuh is noteworthy. During this event, she expressed support for the ULMWP delegation and criticized the Indonesian government strongly. Given her recent track record, there are various speculations about the motive behind her murder. It is possible that her death was not solely orchestrated by the TPNPB but could involve groups with vested interests in Papua, aiming to silence her for her statements or to manipulate the narrative surrounding the Papua conflict.
Jayapura, Jubi – The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has called on the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the murder of Michelle Kurisi Ndoga in Lanny Jaya Regency, Mountainous Papua Province.
Michelle Kurisi Ndoga was allegedly killed by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Her death gained public attention due to the circulation of a video showing her being interrogated.
Uli Parulian Sihombing, Komnas HAM’s coordinator of the Human Rights Enforcement Sub-Commission said on Friday, September 1, 2023, that violence against anyone, including the murder of Michelle Kurisi, could not be justified under any circumstances.
“The recurring cycle of violence must be stopped as it directly affects the lives of the Papuan people,” he declared.
Komnas HAM, Uli stated, would collaborate with various stakeholders to address the Michelle Kurisi murder case. The commission called for a commitment from all parties to create a conducive environment.
“We hope that all parties refrain from using violent means, especially taking lives,” he urged.
Komnas HAM chair Atnike Nova Sigiro mentioned that the commission had not received specific complaints regarding Michelle Kurisi’s murder. Nevertheless, Komnas HAM had been closely monitoring and gathering information about the case through its PapuaRepresentative Office in Jayapura and media sources.
Atnike further indicated that Komnas HAM had not initiated a special investigation into the case yet. The commission is currently conducting further research to determine how to best approach the case.
“We haven’t commenced special monitoring; we will first assess whether special monitoring is necessary concerning this murder case,” she clarified.
Atnike stressed the importance of handling the murder case in accordance with existing laws and human rights principles. She underscored that instances of violence in Papuawere a matter of particular concern to Komnas HAM.
“Any act of violence in Papua has the potential to escalate the conflict,” she cautioned. (*)
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