Seven people detained over flag-hoisting

Seven people detained over flag-hoisting

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Seven people, including two
Germany-based journalists, were still being detained on Friday in
Timika, following a violent incident on Thursday over the
separatist West Papua Morning Star flag.

The seven people detained are Yosefa Alomang, Izak Ondoame,
Hiskia Mariabun, Bruno Katagame, Marlon Tahrin and two Germans,
identified only as Deck and Hosts.

Yosefa, who is often known as Mama Yosefa, was named a 1999
recipient of the Yap Thiam Hien award for her struggle for
Irianese tribal rights.

All seven were arrested in Timika during Thursday's incident
when officers from the Elite Police Mobile Brigade tried to
disperse a crowd of 3,000 as they attempted to lower the
separatist flag.

No fatalities were reported in the incident, but 55 people
were injured.

Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas said he
regretted the incident, adding that the shooting violated his
instructions.

"We have sent a fact-finding team to investigate the shooting.
All the officers involved in the shooting will be legally
processed," Wenas said on Friday.

The Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy demanded
on Friday that police should withdraw completely from the scene
of the incident as it might incite further unrest.

"The police officers' presence may cause people to become
agitated and feel unsafe," the institute said in a statement on
Friday. (eba/jun)