31 May 2019

Investigation launched into election violence in Papua

6:56 pm on 31 May 2019

The Military, Police and the National Commission on Human Rights are investigating the deaths of four people in a shooting during election related violence in Papua.

A tentative date of June 15th 2019 has been set for a referendum on possible independence in the Autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville.

Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

The Military, Police and the National Commission on Human Rights are investigating the deaths of four people in a shooting during election related violence in Papua.

This week it was reported that Indonesian soldiers shot and killed four people in Asmat regency after supporters of a losing candidate attacked the area of a rival.

Indonesian police said during the riot, soldiers fired shots because the crowd tried to attack them and four Papuans died as a result.

The Military Command's Colonel Muhammad Aidi said an investigation team had now gathered evidence and questioned witnesses.

Colonel Aidi said three personnel were on duty during the riot at the Fayit district office but only one military officer was armed.

He said as the crowd entered the office, the soldier fired a warning shot, but rioters allegedly cornered him.

According to the Jakarta Post he responded by shooting toward the crowd, killing four and injuring one.