Robert Isidorus, Jakarta – Three activists have been named suspects for participating in a rally on Wednesday in support of West Papuan membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

Papua Police have arrested Alexander Hanekem, Nopinus Humawak and Othen Gombo, all of whom have been accused of "provoking the masses" during a rally in Manokwari, West Papua.

The trio's lawyer Theresje Julianty Gasperz said on Wednesday that his clients had so far refused to cooperate with police because they did not have legal counsel present.

At least 70 participants were detained during the demonstration, according to police, although most have been released.

The three men were among dozens of protestors that rallied peacefully in the provincial capital to show support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's (ULM) MSG bid on Wednesday.

The MSG is an inter-governmental organization composed of Melanesian states Fiji, Vanatua, Papua New Guinea, the Soloman Islands and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS). The MSG is expected to decide on the ULM's bid in July.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/papua-police-arrest-3-activists-manokwari-rally/