Jayapura, Jubi TV – Head of the Abepura Penitentiary Sulistyo Wibowo confirmed that one of his personnel had beaten one of the seven Morning Star raisers, namely Maksimus Simon Petrus You. As a result of being hit, Maksimus’ right eye temple was swollen and his lip was injured.
“It is true that a personnel beat the prisoner [Maksimus Petrus You],” said Sulistyo to Jubi via WhatsApp message on Saturday, July 30, 2022.
Sulistyo said that he was conducting an examination to ensure if the person concerned did this under the influence of alcoholic beverages. He stressed that if violations were found, strict action will be taken against the prison officer. “If we find violations done by an officer, we will take strict action against them according to the existing provisions,” he said.
According to information obtained by Jubi, the incident took place in the detention cell of the Abepura Penitentiary in Jayapura City on Friday between 6 and 7 p.m. local time. Maksimus Simon Petrus You was in a detention cell after returning from worship with other prisoners. While in detention, an officer suspected of being under the influence of alcoholic beverages entered the cell occupied by Maksimus You and Devion Tekege, then accused Maksimus You and Devion Tekege of smoking marijuana.
However, Maksimus You denied the accusations, saying they did not smoke marijuana and that the alleged officer just barged into their cells and beat him.
Meanwhile, the Papuan Law Enforcement and Human Rights Coalition, who is the legal advisor for the seven defendants who raised the Morning Star flag, was still trying to confirm the beating of their client, Maksimus You.
“I’ll make sure first,” said coordinator of the Papuan Law Enforcement and Human Rights Coalition Emanuel Gobay to Jubi. (*)
