TNI / POLRI Kills Unarmed Papuan Civilian In Paniai

Thursday 17 November: Media Alert

Local human rights defenders report that Matius Tenouye, a farmer from Tagaya Degeuwo Village , Bogobaida District, Paniai Kabupaten, Papua was killed by the Indonesian security forces on the 13 November.

According to reports received by West Papua Media Mr. Tenouye (39 years old) was crossing a bridge when he was struck by a bullet in the back. He then fell into the Degeuwo River and drowned. Relatives have been unable to retrieve his body.

The killing comes days after Jubi, an independent online media organisation in Papua, reported eight being shot dead in Degeuwo by members of the security forces. There have also been reports of destruction of civilian property in Kogekotu village, Camp Bapouda, Camp Ipakiye and Camp Madi, all close to a gold mining area that has been the scene of long-standing conflict over land rights, corruption and control of mining activity.

The area is off limits to local and foreign journalists.

ENDS

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