Rights group protests shooting

Rights group protests shooting

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A rights group in Jayapura protested on
Friday the shooting of demonstrators by policemen in Merauke on
Wednesday.

John Rumbiak, spokesman for the Institute of Human Rights
Studies and Advocacy, told The Jakarta Post the shooting in
Merauke was a clear violation of human rights.

"We also want the Irian Jaya Police chief to explain the
shooting to the public before punishing the shooters," John said.

Paskalis Betayob, 18, was shot and killed in the incident, and
Petrus Ketam, 19, and Lazarus Kawakok, 18, are still being
treated in the hospital for gunshot wounds.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas said on
Wednesday the police used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd,
which was protesting the government's offer of autonomy for the
province.

However, Dr. Steven Osok of Merauke State Hospital said a live
bullet killed Paskalis.

Eleven policemen suffered wounds from traditional arrows
during the clash, Wenas said. (eba)