Nabire, Jubi – The Papua Peace Network (JDP) encourages the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to form an independent investigation team to reveal alleged human rights violations in the shooting incident of four civilians in Tolikara on Monday, December 19, 2022. This was stated by JDP spokesperson Yan Christian Warinussy to Jubi via WhatsApp on Tuesday.
According to the police, the shooting was triggered by residents who attacked the Tolikara Police Headquarters. However, Warinussy said such claims needed to be cross checked. Moreover, one of the victims of the shooting died.
“They were shot at the Tolikara Police Headquarters on Monday and one of them died. The police said the shooting occurred because a number of residents came to the police station drunk and made noise there,” said Warinussy.
Information obtained by Jubi said the four victims were Michael Bogum (gunshot wound to the right thigh, treated at Karubaga Regional Hospital), Metus Bogum (gunshot wound to the right hand and left leg, treated at Karubaga Regional Hospital), Beinus (right stomach wound and right calf, treated at Karubaga Regional Hospital), and Wilem Wununga (gunshot wound to the left thigh, referred to Wamena Regional Hospital).
Warinussy said Komnas HAM must conduct an independent investigation into the shooting incident. “Komnas HAM may also work with international and national observers of law and human rights to formulate constructive input to improve police’s community services without the use of violence,” he said.
Warinussy said he strongly disagreed with the way Tolikara Police officers handled the dispute between residents and police. “We see that the reason for the “attack” on the Tolikara Police Headquarters by a number of people needs to be investigated,” he said. (*)
