Irian separatist leader arrested

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Police arrested on Tuesday Theys H. Elvay, who reportedly claimed to be president of the West Papua separatist movement, in a raid at his home in Sentani.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. Hotman Siagian confirmed the arrest and said Theys would soon be interrogated.

"If he is found guilty he will be jailed along with five other (separatist suspects) who are also undergoing police questioning," Antara quoted him as saying here on Tuesday.

Theys, a former member of the Irian Jaya legislative council, was detained in connection to his alleged campaign to prepare a mass demonstration to demand an independent West Papua state. (rms)