At the end of February 2014, there were at least 76 political prisoners in Papuan jails.

Multiple reports this month highlighted large-scale military and police operations in Yapen island and Puncak Jaya, resulting in human rights abuses againsts the civilian populations in those areas. Civilians faced arbitrary arrest, enforced mass evacuations, death threats, indiscriminate shooting and torture by security forces. Homes, churches and schools were targeted and extensively damaged in the raids, allegedly on the pretext of uncovering hidden weapons. Two women and six children were among those detained during the raid in Yapen island.

Use of excessive force by police has resulted in three detainees requiring emergency medical treatment for gunshot wounds at Bhayangkara Jayapura Hospital. Authorities have subsequently made no effort to ensure that these men received sufficient treatment for their serious injuries. The family of one of the men, Stefanus Banal, was also forced to pay for the costs of transferring him from Wamena to Jayapura for an urgent operation.

State negligence towards injuries sustained by political prisoners, often caused by the use of excessive force during arrest, is a continuing problem in Papua. The failure of police and prison authorities to meet their duty of care to political prisoners is a symptom of discriminatory attitudes which continue to fuel indigenous Papuan grievances towards the state.

A full Update is attached.