On 20 February 2024, plain cloth police officers reportedly arrested Mr Epson Nirigi (see photo, source: PCC), 34, while working for the election commission at the Rafael Hotel in the town of Timika, Mimika District. The officers came to the location with a black minivan around noon. Mr Nirigi works as a boat operator. According to information received, the police accuse him of delivering logistics to groups opposing the state.
The arrest highlights the vulnerability of indigenous Papuans to arbitrary scrutiny and apprehension by state agencies, even though their actions may not be related to subversive activities. The case underscores the importance of upholding human rights principles, particularly the right to freedom from arbitrary arrest and the presumption of innocence, in safeguarding individuals from unwarranted state intervention and ensuring a just and fair society for all.
Detailed Case Data
Location: Rafael Hotel
Region: Indonesia, Central Papua, Mimika, Mimika Baru
Total number of victims: 1
#
Number of Victims
Name, Details
Gender
Age
Group Affiliation
Violations
1.
1
Epson Nirigi
male
34
Indigenous Peoples
arbitrary detention
Perpetrator: Indonesian Police
Perpetrator details: unknown
Issues: security force violence, indigenous peoples