KomnasHAM Papua calls for additional witness at murder trial

Bintang Papua, 28 July 2011

Komnas HAM Papua calls for additional witness at murder trial

Jayapura - The deputy chairman of the Papuan branch of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Matius Murib, has written to the military commander of the Cenderawasih military command, Major-General Erfi Triassunu, calling for an additional witness to be summoned to testify at the trial now under way regarding the murder of a civilian in Puncak Jaya. On trial are three members of the Indonesian armed forces who are being charged in connection with the fatal torture of Pastor Kinderman Gire.

The three members of the security forces are being charged before a military tribunal.

In its letter, Komnas HAM says that Pitinus Kogoya should also be summoned to testify as a witness. Pitinus was also maltreated by members of the security forces in Tingginambut during the incident that occurred on 17 March 2011.

According to Matius Murib, this is important in order to ensure that justice is done out of respect for the sense of justice of the victim and his family.

For further information about this incident in which the victim was struck in the chest and died shortly afterwards, please see our posting on 21 July.

[Comment: According to past experience, the justice system in West Papua has repeatedly passed very lenient sentences against Indonesian soldiers who are accused of acts of violence against Papuans.]

ENDS

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