21 May 2015

Activists arrested in West Papua - report

11:15 am on 21 May 2015

There are reports from Indonesia's West Papua province that a group of activists planning a peaceful demonstration in Manokwari have been arrested.

Local reports say the protest was in support of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua application to become a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Locals reports suggest at least 39 activists were arrested and driven away to police headquarters.

According to a report from witnesses some activists were mistreated by police during the arrests.