30 Activists arrested in West Papua
30 Activists arrested in West Papua
Today, the 28 May the KNPB had called for peaceful rallies in all regions of West Papua.
The organisers are calling for the freedom of expression for the West Papuan people and also calling for international and regional support for the application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
According to the KNPB up to 30 Activists have been arrested at the gate of the Uncen KNPB Housing III Waena this morning. First reports indicate that the security forces used heavy-handed tactics in breaking up the rally.
Joe Collins of AWPA said, "This is the 3rd time this month that the security forces have cracked down on peaceful rallies. For all the talk about Jokiwi bringing openness and improvement to West Papua, the reality on the ground proves otherwise".
On the 1 May over 250 activists were arrested at peaceful rallies on the anniversary of Indonesia's annexation of the province. and 70 activists were arrested on the 20 May for rallying in support of West Papuan membership at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)
ENDS