The police suspect, Mr Delano Sayuri (27 years), died at Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Jayapura City on 6 May 2023 while receiving medical treatment. The police suspected Mr Sayuri of committing theft and arrested him in Argapura, Jayapura Selatan District, Papua Province. His relatives suspect that Mr Sayuri died due to torture during the arrest and detention at the Papuan Regional Police Headquarters (Polda Papua).
Police officers attempted to arrest Mr Sayuri on the evening of 4 May 2023. According to Jayapura City Police Chief Commissioner Victor D. Mackbon, the police officers met resistance from Mr Sayuri and residents. The mob allegedly threw stones at the officers, damaging two police vehicles. The police released shots released warning shots (see video below, source: independent HRD)
In the afternoon of 5 May 2023, police officers again combed the Argapura area and arrested Mr Sayuri. Commissioner Mackbon said Mr Sayuri’s condition suddenly dropped during detention at the Jayapura City Police Headquarters (Polresta Jayapra). Thereupon, police officers admitted the suspect to the Bhayangkara Police Hospital. Mr Sayuri passed away at the Bhayangakar Hospital on 6 May 2023, around 1.00 am.
Relatives picked up the body on 6 May 2023 (see photo on top, source: independent HRD) and conducted a peaceful spontaneous action. About 100 protesters collectively wanted to carry the coffin (see video below, source: independent HRD) to the Polda Papua. Still, they were blocked by police officers near the Jayapura Harbour. The relatives demand a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of Mr Sayuri.
