The demonstration which took place yesterday outside the Papua Legislative Assembly building consisted of several groups who had come from different parts of the city. They called on the Papuan people to struggle for the rights of the Papuan people which continue to be violated.

After initial attempts by the police, the demonstration was allowed to proceed. Demonstrators held aloft banners calling for the withdrawal of organic and non organic troops, for an end to the militarisation of Papua and demanded that the state accept responsibility for the many victims of rights in Papua.

They also handed out leaflets saying that the idea of Papua as a land of peace was an illusion. They opposed the creation of new Kodam – military commands and an end to extra-judicial killings.

The demonstrators then marched to Abepura. Police presence on the streets was high. Banners called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees and convicted prisoners. There were also calls for the shooting dead of Opinus Tabuni (in August 2008) to be resolved.

[Abridged in translation by TAPOL.]