TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - The Papua Regional Police are investigating the murder case of female activist, Michele Kurisi Doga, who was killed in Koloak Atas District, Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan. Michele Kurisi Doga is a fighter for Papuan women's rights and has been active in fighting for Papuan issues through social media platforms, particularly YouTube live events.

The tragedy struck on August 28, 2023. Michele was attacked by an unknown group with knives and wood, which was recorded and went viral on social media.

Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo revealed that based on the initial investigation, the case was suspected to be a premeditated murder committed by seven alleged perpetrators: PM, AW, RK, KW (on the police’s wanted list or DPO), JW (DPO), DW (DPO), and K (DPO).

“They are all suspected of being members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) who are actively spreading negative propaganda about the Papua issue on social media,” Benny said in a press statement on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Benny strongly condemned the killing of the activist. “It is a sadistic and cruel murder,” he said.

The Law Enforcement Task Force of the Cartenz Peace Operation arrested three suspected perpetrators on October 5, 2023, namely PM in Jayawijaya, AW in Jayapura, and RK alias RM in Tolikara. The three were handed over to the Papua Police.

The Papua Regional Police also detained other suspected perpetrators for further investigation. The authorities pledged to investigate the case to uncover all those involved in this horrific murder.

YUNI ROHMAWATI

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