KNPB leaders A. Kosay and B. Murib charged after police investigation – case is now prosecuted

On 31 October 2023, investigators from the Jayapura Police in Papua Province transferred Agus Kosay, Chairman of the West Papua National Coalition (KNPB), and Numbay Beny Murib, KNPB Secretary, to the Jayapura State Prosecutor’s Office. The activists were both named suspects in a case related to incitement that occurred on 18 August 023, in Jayapura Regency, Papua Province.

According to the Head of the Jayapura Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the decision to name Agus Kosay and Beny Murib as suspects was based on the findings of the investigation into the incitement incident. During the attack, two victims were stabbed, with one suffering a stab wound in the shoulder and the other in the chest. The evidence presented by the police included three stones, broken glass, broken wood, a KNPB leaflet, and a mobile phone. These items were handed over to the Public Prosecutor.

Mr Kosay is accused of violating Article 160 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP) on incitement, and Article 170 KUHP on violence against persons or objects. Article 170 KUHP carries a maximum penalty of five years and six months, and Article 160 KUHP has a maximum penalty of 6 years imprisonment. Mr Murib was charged with Article 351 (1) & (2) KUHP on assault. Article 351 ((2) carries a maximum penalty of five years.

Case information: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/four-knpb-activists-arrested-in-jayapura-regency-police-press-charges-against-two-knpb-leaders/