By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent BosNewsLife
JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BosNewsLife)– The West Papua Council of Churches urges the United Nations to help end a “humanitarian tragedy” in Indonesia’s Papua region where it says Indonesia’s military kills Christian leaders.
Thousands have been displaced due to the violence, which increased since last year, according to rights activists. Among those targeted was Pastor Yeremia Zanambani of the Protestant Evangelical Church, who was killed in the Intan Jaya regency area on September 19, investigators said.
A report from the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights said that Pastor Zanambani was tortured before being shot by Indonesia’s army.
Indonesian protesters urge cleric’s release
AP, JAKARTA
Supporters of a detained firebrand cleric on Friday marched in Indonesia’s capital to demand his release and justice for six followers who were killed by police.
Rizieq Shihab, leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), had on Saturday last week turned himself in to authorities, a day after police warned that they would arrest him after he ignored several summonses.
He was accused of inciting people to breach COVID-19 pandemic restrictions by holding events attended by thousands of supporters to commemorate the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday and the wedding of his daughter.