UN urged to probe Wamena 'rights abuse'

JAKARTA: Two humanitarian organizations in Papua have demanded the United Nations to investigate alleged violations of human rights in the prosecution of two Papuans being held by Wamena Police in connection with a burglary case.

In a statement on Saturday, the Office for Justice and Peace of Jayapura and the Franciscans International said the two defendants had been denied proper medical attention since their detention in November 2003. They were also denied access to a translator in their trial process.

Jigi Jigibalom, 50, and Tenius Murib, 28, are standing trial at a Wamena court for stealing weapons last year from a military arsenal in Bolakme, Wamena. -- JP