Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers detained Mr Elki Pahabol, 27, and Mr Gerefas Silak, 18, (see photo on top, source: independent HRDs) in front of SD NEGERI 1 Primary School in the town of Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 05 April 2024, around 9:00 am. The arrest was reportedly conducted without a warrant, as required under the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Brimob officers prevented relatives and community leaders from meeting the suspects during detention.
The officers took both suspects to their houses and searched their homes without showing a warrant. After not finding weapons or other incriminating evidence, the officers seized some shirts with red stains from betel nuts. Thereupon, Mr Pahabol and Mr Silak were brought to the Brimob headquarters in Jalan Kurima. During the interrogation, the officers accused them of being members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
According to the relatives, both suspects are civilians and not associated with the TPNPB. Mr Elki Pahabol is a candidate for the Regional People’s Representative Council of Papua Province in the Yahukimo District (see Photo below).
Campaigning poster of Elki Pahabol for the political party PAN
