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Pastor accused of supplying weapons to TPNPB nabbed without warrant: Lawyer

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Tabloid JUBI - April 21, 2021

Benny Mawel & Titus Ruban, Jayapura – The Human Rights Lawyers Association for Papua (PAHAM) claimed that the arrest of Paniel Kogoya, a Protestant pastor accused of supplying weapons for the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB), violated human rights standards in law enforcement and failed to adhere to the Criminal Code Procedures.

PAHAM coordinator Gustaf Kawer said that according to Kogoya's family, the police did not show an arrest warrant when apprehending Kogoya. The police also allegedly committed human rights violations against Kogoya by using violence, torture, and coercion in obtaining Kogoya's confession.

"The police has contravened the Criminal Code, as well as violated the principles and standards of human rights in law enforcement," Kawer told Jubi on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

"PAHAM has gotten approval from [Kogoya's] family in Nabire. PAHAM is ready to advocate the case as a legal advisor [to Kogoya]," said Kawer.

Kawer further explained that the police's strategy of stating to the media that Kogoya was involved in weapon supply to the TPNPPB was premature.

"The statement [of the police] saying [Kogoya] is involved is only based on the suspect's confession, which was taken under coercion. If the police wanted to publish the suspect status, it should have included evidence and information from more than one witness," he said.

Due to the alleged illegitimate legal proceedings, PAHAM asked the police to immediately release Paniel Kogoya. "As the procedures did not comply with the Criminal Code Procedures, the police should release the victim in 1 x 24 hours and restore the good name of the victim. If not, PAHAM is ready for a pre-trial related to the illegitimate arrest," said Kawer.

Nabire Police deputy chief Comr. Samuel D. Tatiratu confirmed that the police had detained Kogoya for allegedly supplying weapons and ammunition to the Papuan armed group. However, Tatiratu added, that the arrest was done by the Papua Police while the Nabire Police only provided assistance.

"The arrest is true but it was the Papuan Police Task Force who did it," Tatiratu told Jubi on Tuesday. According to Tatiratu, Kogoya was arrested on Monday at 10:00 a.m. local time in Kalibobo Market, Nabire Regency.

Source: https://en.jubi.co.id/pastor-accused-weapons-tpnpb-nabbed-without-warrant

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