14 Aug 2014

Investigations continue over French journalists in Papua

9:57 am on 14 August 2014

Authorities in Jayapura, Papua, continue to investigate two French journalists arrested for allegedly abusing their Indonesian tourist visas.

Police say Thomas Dandois and Valentine Burrat had entered Indonesia on tourist visas but were working illegally.

The Jakarta Post reports the Papua police deputy chief, Paulus Waterpauw, as saying there is an indication that the two may be involved with armed criminal groups, especially one operating in Lanny Jaya.

He says the two met Forkorus Yoboisembut, the chairman of the Papua Customary Council, who has just finished serving a prison term for treason.

Paulus says the journalists activities in Papua could disrupt state security and safety.

Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders is calling on authorities to release them immediately.