22 Feb 2012

Political rivals in Indonesia's Papua to face charges of inciting violence

4:04 pm on 22 February 2012

Two candidates for local political posts in Puncak Papua in Indonesia's Papua region have been named by police as suspects for allegedly inciting a political feud that has killed at least 30 people.

Supporters of Elvis Tabuni, the speaker of the Puncak Papua legislative council, and Simon Alom, who led the transitional administration when the district was established, have engaged in clashes since July over an election dispute.

The Jakarta Globe reports that 13 people were killed in the first clash, while the others died in the sporadic outbreaks of violence that have followed.

The Papua police deputy chief, Brigadier General Paulus Waterpauw, says these two political figures are behind the brawls and will be charged for inciting criminal acts.

Meanwhile police report four people were killed and almost 100 injured when e supporters of rival candidates for the Tolikara regency election clashed last week.

The Jakarta Post says the violence ensued after one candidate's campaign post was set on fire by rival supporters.

Brigadier General Paulus Waterpauw says that fire resulted in 35 buildings being destroyed.