The Papua representative office of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has urged the Manokwari Municipal Police (Polresta) to arrest OU immediately, the alleged perpetrator responsible for the shooting of senior advocate and human rights defender Yan Christian Warinussy with an air rifle (see photo on top). The attack took place in Manokwari Regency, West Papua, on 17 July 2024, yet the suspect remains at large, prompting increasing concerns over the lack of swift justice.
Komnas HAM Papua Chairperson Frits Ramandey voiced his call for action on 9 January 2025, emphasizing that the prolonged delay in arresting the suspect undermines law enforcement’s credibility. Ramandey insisted that the West Papua Regional Police Chief, along with the West Papua General Crimes Detectives Directorate and the Manokwari City Police Chief, must expedite the suspect’s apprehension and legal prosecution.
According to Komnas HAM, the authorities have collected sufficient circumstantial evidence, testimonies from witnesses, and material proof to proceed with the suspect’s detention. Ramandey warned that continued inaction sets a dangerous precedent for human rights defenders in West Papua, potentially deterring their essential work. He stressed that the case’s resolution is crucial for upholding justice and maintaining the police force’s credibility, urging public support in pressing law enforcement to take decisive action.
Mr Warinussy himself expressed deep frustration with the police’s inefficiency in handling his case. He highlighted the advanced investigative tools available to the police, including detection and communication tracking technologies, which should have facilitated the arrest. Warinussy stated that his faith in the police had significantly diminished due to the ongoing delays, and he called for immediate efforts to apprehend the suspect, who is believed to reside in Arfak Mountains Regency, West Papua.
Several key witnesses, including his daughters, driver, and a car rental owner, have already given official statements to investigators. Additionally, physical evidence, such as the clothing he wore during the attack, the bullet projectile, and the suspect’s alleged vehicle, have been secured at the Manokwari Polresta Headquarters. With all this evidence in hand, Warinussy questioned why the police have yet to act decisively.
Manokwari Municipal Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head, Deputy Police Commissioner Raja Napitupulu, confirmed that the alleged perpetrator, identified as OU, is suspected to be residing in Arfak Mountains Regency. Mr Napitupulu stated that police have already visited the suspect’s home and are actively pursuing the case. However, he did not provide a clear explanation for the prolonged delay in making an arrest.
