Day: December 9, 2011

‘Pro M’ Aspirations are guaranteed under the law: Police chief

“….But violations will be dealt with”

Bintang Papua, 7 December 2011

Jayapura: Activities that are conducted by people, such as freedom of
assembly and the expression of opinion or aspirations such as pro-independence for West Papua (‘M’) which are being promoted by some
West Papuan people are guaranteed under the law, said the Chief of
Police Police-General Drs Timur Pradopo, speaking after participating
in a dialogue with stakeholders about accelerating development in West Papua at the office of the governor of Papua.

He went on to say that if this freedom of assembly and talking about
independence aspirations are done in ways that violate the law, it is the responsibility of the police to enforce the law. Nevertheless,
before the law is enforced, certain steps need to be taken. If, for
example, the persons who assemble wish to present their views, it is up to the police at the local level (Polsek) or the regional level (Polres), backed by the regional police chief along with the rest of society and religious leaders, to take action for their protection but they should not act in violation of the law.

‘This is what is always done by police officers in Papua (Polda, Polres, Polsek), so as to safeguard the activities of each side.’

He said any violation of the law will be dealt with by the police. And furthermore, action will be taken against police officers who violate the law, such as maltreating people in the community.

He went on to say that if anyone feels that they have been harmed by the presence of the police, this should immediately be reported, along with facts and data, and there will be a response from Polsek, Polres, Polda or even the chief of police (Kapolri) will deal with the matter when the law has been violated.

‘No one is immune, including police officers.’

Asked whether there could be an increase in the number of police, taking into account the current security situation in Papua, the police chief said that there is no plan in the coming days for the number of police to be increased But what is being done is enforcement of the law.

‘It is the task of the police to preserve a situation of security in
Papua and this should be done in a proper way in order to ensure that
the plans for development and activities by the people can proceed smoothly.

[COMMENT: A shift towards greater leniency seems to be in the air]

[Translated by TAPOL]

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People who have been shooting near Freeport are well trained: Police

JUBI, 7 December 2011

According to the police in Timika, the people involved in the shootings that have occurred during the past month or so in the vicinity of Freeport are certainly well-trained.

‘Our investigations in the places where these shootings have occurred reveal that they have been using firearms. The result of the shootings aimed at vehicles in which the victims were driving suggests that they are well trained in the use of firearms,’ said the head of the Criminal Research Unit, AKP Toni Sarjaka, speaking to journalists in Timika.

Pressed to explain whether these people were well trained, he said: ‘Well yes, indeed. In some cases a single shot hit the driver of the car, and killed him instantly.’

During the month of October, there have been four victims of shooting in the Freeport area and in some cases, the victim was killed by a single shot.’

He went on to say that the police were still investigating the killings and were currently speaking to witnesses.

In addition to those who have been killed, a number of people have been injured.  But as yet, the police have not been able to identify the persons who carried out the shootings.

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