Nurfajri Budi Nugroho, Jakarta – Around 40 students from the Papua Students Action Front (FAMP) have demonstrated demanding that police release the eight suspects being held over the shooting of two US citizens in Timika on 2002.

The action was held in front of the national police headquarters on Jalan Trunojoyo in Jakarta on Tuesday January 17.

“The eight detainees that were arbitrary arrested must be released unconditionally. This is a consequence of the logic of resolving Papuan issues democratically”, said action coordinator Arkilaus Baho in a speech.

The students could be seen holding banners with demands such as “Don’t let there be political interference”, “Fully investigate Freeport” and “Release the eight Papuan suspects”.

In addition to this, the students also appeared busy handing out statements to pedestrians who passed in front of the police headquarters.

As many as five representatives were eventually received by the chief of the criminal investigation bureau, Police Commissioner General Makbul Padmanegara. In an audience that lasted for 25 minutes, Padmanegara said he was prepared to accommodate the demonstrators’ input. The students then disbanded in an orderly fashion. (aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]