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| Police fire teargas on protesters in Jayapura. Photo: Jubi/Arnold Belau |
POLICE have fired teargas on dozens of West Papuan peaceful demonstrators marking International Democracy Day at Waena in the capital of Jayapura.
Tabloid Jumi said 21 people were arrested at the rally, organised by the local chapter of the West Papua National Committeee (KNPB)
"We gave a five-minute warning for the KNPB to disband because this demo did not not permission from us," said Wakapolresta Jayapura Kiki Kurnia to Wim Rocky Medlama, a KNPB spokesperson.
When the protesters did not retreat, Jayapura police seized the demonstration command car and this triggered chaos.
The police fired tear gas over the demonstrators’ heads.
