Police officers arrested two indigenous Papuans, Mr Ripe Kerebea and Mr Eli Koranue, in the town of Kenyam, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, on 17 August 2024. Mr Rife Kerebea’s name was on a wanted list for participation in various violent attacks by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). While the police have pressed charges against Mr Kerebea, it is unknown whether the police have also initiated a legal process against Mr Koranue. Human rights activists expressed concerns regarding the arbitrary nature of the arrest, claiming that both men are civilians.
According to information received, police officers forcefully entered the house of Mr Ripe Kerebea at 3:30 am and arrested him without showing a warrant. Mr Kerebea’s wife and children witnessed the arrest. Mr Koranue was arrested almost simultaneously inside a traditional men’s house in Kenyam. Relatives and friends witnessed the arrest. In both cases, the relatives were not informed about the reason for the arrest. They demand the immediate release of the detainees if the police fail to present sufficient evidence for involvement in a criminal act. Mr Kerebea is the village head of Krepkuri Village, Mr Koranue graduated from a Vocational Highschool in Merauke and took a job as a construction worker.
Mr Ripe Kerebea and Mr Eli Koranue
