A series of demonstrations in West Papua today have been forcibly stopped by Indonesian police.
The demos were organised by a network of 111 organisations behind the Papuan People's Petition, formed to reject Jakarta's plans to renew Special Autonomy in Papua.
Eight Papuans were reported to have been arrested for a public demonstration in Yahukimo, 16 August, 2021 Photo: Supplied
Demonstrators have also been protesting against racism, and calling for the release of political prisoner, Victor Yeimo, a leadig figure in the West Papuan pro-independence.
Yeimo, the foreign spokesman for the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), was arrested in May and faces numerous charges including treason and incitement for his alleged role in anti-racism protests in 2019.
Demonstrations have been taking place today in cities and towns across the Papuan provinces including Jayapura, Wamena, Manokwari and Timika.
In Jayapura, police forces backed up by water canons dispersed demonstrators at numerous locations. Several Papuans were injured, including the KNPB's chairman Agus Kossay.
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— Veronica Koman 許愛茜 (@VeronicaKoman) August 16, 2021
16/8/21 Jayapura, West Papua
Excessive use of force was used to crush a peaceful protest demanding Victor Yeimo be freed, against racism, and for self-determination. pic.twitter.com/ObiP7HaWmV
One demonstrator at a rally in Yahukimo, a remote highlands regency, was shot, while eight people were reportedly arrested.
Even a vigil march this morning in Jayapura led by the West Papua Council of Churches' moderator Benny Giay was stopped by security forces.
As with their crackdown of Papuan demonstrations last month and in May, police have said that due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Papua, they wouldn't allow public events such as demonstrations to proceed.
A public vigil led by the West Papua Council of Churches is stopped by Indonesian security forces, 16 August 2021 Photo: Supplied
The Papuan People's Petition is reportedly supported by over 700,000 people who have signed the petition rejecting Special Autonomy, demanding the immediate release of Victor Yeimo without any conditions.
"Victor Yeimo is not a perpetrator of violence or a criminal. He is the victim of widespread structural racism of the Indonesian colonial state who continues to persecute Indigenous Papuans," PRP National Spokesperson Sam Awom.
Human rights advocates, including the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Mary Lawlor have voiced concern at Yeimo's reportedly deteriorating health in prison.
