15 Aug 2019

Indonesian police arrest dozens of West Papuans - lawyer

9:00 pm on 15 August 2019

An Indonesian lawyer says police have arrested dozens of West Papuan independence activists in Jayapura.

Demonstrators took to the streets in several Papuan cities on Thursday in support of their cause being raised at this week's Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit.

But police in Jayapura have cracked down on the activists, who were also calling for a military withdrawal from restive Nduga regency.

Indonesian human rights lawyer Veronica Koman says at least 51 people with the United Liberation Movement for West Papua were arrested.

A police spokesperson didn't respond to requests for comment.