On 13 August 2024, Indonesian military forces reportedly raided the Silatuga Village of Sugapa District, Intan Jaya Regency, searching residential houses in the area. According to information received from local human rights defenders, military members released bazookas in Silatuga. They dropped mortar grenades on the Holomama Hamlet, following a firefight with members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). The operation was launched in response to the killing of a non-Papuan civilian by TPBNPB members. The killing happened only a few hours prior to the raid.
Human rights defenders alleged that security forces searched residential houses without a warrant and tortured residents. At least eight villagers, all of them indigenous Papuans, were injured as a result of security force violence (see photos and table below, source: WPCC). The victims later had to treat their wounds at home using traditional forms of treatment. They were afraid to walk to the health facilities in town due to the heavy military presence there.
Victims of torture during the security force raid in the Silatuga Village, Intan Jaya, on 13 August 2024
No | Nama | Age | Additional information |
1 | Mr Melianus Ulau | 37 years | Military members stabbed him with a knife five times on the head and three times on the back of the shoulder |
2 | Mr Martinus Nayagau | 32 years | Military members punched him three times in the head, causing bruises on the chin and mouth |
3 | Mr Kali Sondegau | 26 years | Military members beat him up, causing multiple bruises on the body |
4 | Mr Saul Selegani | 41 years | Miliutary members beat him on the bodyfour times |
5 | Mr Pit Selegani | 25 years | Military members stabbed him with knif on the thigh |
6 | Mr Harun Sondegau | 28 years | Military members beat him up, causing multiple bruises on the body |
7 | Mr Jimlan Belau | 25 years | Military members beat him up, causing multiple bruises on the body |
8 | Mr Nopi Kobagau | 28 years | Military members beat him up, causing multiple bruises on the body |