Fears for West Papuan independence activist
After annual independence protests took place across West Papua this weekend, reports have emerged of the increasingly volatile relationship between the Papuan independence activists and Indonesian security. Victor Yeimo- the chairperson of the West Papua National Committee (or KNPB) was arrested on Saturday, along with two other leaders of the organization, ahead of scheduled protests.
Reported to have been released yesterday, concerns are being raised as he is yet to be seen or heard from. Many, including Jim Elmslie, from the West Papua Project fear that he could be dead – suffering a similar fate to that of his predecessor, former KNPB leader Mako Tabuni.