More than 150 West Papuans arrested in demonstrations – lawyer

An Indonesian lawyer says more than 150 West Papuan independence activists were arrested on Thursday.

Veronica Koman says 65 remain detained in Jayapura after rallying for the support of their cause being raised at this week’s Pacific Islands Forum summit.

Demonstrations also took place in several other cities.

Papua senior police commissioner, AM Kamal, says those still detained will be released but didn’t give any numbers.

Ms Koman said some activists, mostly representing the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, were beaten by police.

Photos circulated on social media showed several with bloody head wounds.

Source: RNZ