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Papuan activists to investigate Filep Karma’s death
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Late Papuan independence activist Filep Karma (inside vehicle) shakes hands with his supporters after being released from prison in Abepura, Papua, on Nov. 19, 2015. (AFP/Daffa Mahendra)
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coalition of Papuan activists has formed a team to investigate the death of West Papuan independence activist Filep Karma, who was found dead on Base G Beach, Jayapura, on Tuesday morning.
“We’ve coordinated with other Papuan organizations, family and legal counsel to conduct an independent investigation into [the death of] Filep Karma,” said Papuan Customary Council (DAP) head Dominggus Surabut on Wednesday, according to the Jubi news portal.
On Tuesday, Karma’s family described his death as a diving accident based on preliminary examination.
“My father’s death is purely accidental and not because of a disaster or murder,” said daughter of Filep Karma, Andrefina Karma, to a crowd of well-wishers at a funeral home in Dok V, Jayapura.
She said witnesses had seen Filep heading out for a dive at the same beach on Sunday wearing the same diving gear he was later found in. The family has declined to have an autopsy performed on Filep’s body.
Andrefina’s statement corroborated a report from Jayapura Police chief Sr. Comr. Victor Mackbon.
“A team of doctors from Bhayangkara Hospital has conducted an external examination, and there were no signs of bruising on his body,” said Victor, as quoted by Antara news agency.
