Jayapura – One of the leaders of the OPM, Danny Kogoya along with seven others were arrested on Sunday just before midnight, in a hotel in Entrop. He is likely to spend many years behind bars.

On the basis of investigations by the police of Koyoga and his friends, they will face charges under Article 170 of the Criminal Code for acts of violence. Koyoga could be sentenced to 15 years. The charges against him include the shooting of a German man in Wisata Coast Base G, North Jayapura – He is also likely to be charged under Article 338 in connection with a shooting incident in Nafri Kampung, district of Abepura, in August 2011 when four people were killed.

The spokesman for the Police Commissioner, Drs Johannes Nugroho, said the case against Koyoga is under investigation by a criminal unit of the police in Jayapura – 'Although there are no further suspects at the moment, the case could develop further after taking account of the testimony from other likely suspects.'

Furthermore, as a result of the gunfire which hit Koyoga, his right foot was amputated after being hit by gunfire as he was trying to escape following his arrest. Doctors at the hospital worked hard to save his life and one of the ways was by deciding to amputate his foot which had almost broken away from his leg.

"Without the amputation," the doctors said, "we could not have saved his life."

According to the secretary of Commission A of the DPRP, Julius Miagoni, the police claim that Koyoga was involved in a number of shooting incidents in Jayapura City. He went on to say that these were simply charges by the police without any clear evidence. He said that this was in violation of the principle of the presumption of innocence, according to which someone can only be said to be guilty on the basis of a definitive verdict in a court of law.

"Danny Koyoga has not yet been designated as a suspect yet the police are claiming that he was involved in a series of shooting incidents and violence in Jayapura."

Such things frequently happen, he said. When shooting incidents occur in Paniai, the police alleged that the group led by John Yogi was responsible. And when the incident occurs in Jayapura, it is said to be the work of Danny and his associates. And so on.

The most important thing is for the police to conduct investigations before making public pronouncements about what Danny Koyoga is guilty of, in accordance with the law. He said following the arrest of Danny Koyoga: 'We urge the police to handle the case according to the proper procedures and in accordance with humanitarian principles'.

'This habit of conducting acts of terror, threats, ill-treatment and other such things against citizens who have been arrested should be halted as soon as possible, said the member of Commission A.

[Translated by TAPOL.]