Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Journalists reportedly threatened in Indonesia’s Papua region

Posted at 02:02 on 17 March, 2008 UTC

There are allegations that journalists in Manokwari in the Indonesian region of Papua are currently being threatened and intimidated by security forces.

West Papuan activists say the journalists have been urged to suppress coverage of protests, while a number of demonstrators involved have been charged with rebellion for raising the banned Morning Star flag.

Security forces have also demanded that media provide footage and photographs to help with the prosecution of protestors who were demanding a referendum.

The Manokwari Executive Director of the Institute of Research, Analysis and Legal Aid Development, Yan Christian Warinussy, says 11 people are being held in custody following the protests this month.