Jayapura, Papua – Some 50 Papuan human rights activists staged a rally outside Papua Provincial Police headquarters on Wednesday, demanding the release of pro-independence leader Buchtar Tabuni. Police arrested Buchtar for organizing an Oct. 16 rally demanding Papua's independence.

"Buchtar violates Articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code as well as Articles 160, 212 and 216 for sedition, agitating the crowd and resisting officers," said Papua Police Chief of Detectives Sr. Comr. Paulus Waterpauw.

However, rally organizer Victor Yeimo said the protesters also demanded independence, challenging the police to arrest them as well. "Buchtar is not the only separatist demanding independence. We all demand independence, so arrest us," he said.

The protesters maintained their presence in front of the police headquarters as late as 7 p.m. local time causing no disturbances to residents' activities.