Officers Allegedly Aniaya 2 Inmates, Timika Prison Conducts Internal Investigation

Timika Class II B Prison Office (Between)

PAPUA - The Timika Correctional Institution (Lapas) in Central Papua Province conducted an internal investigation into allegations that its officers had persecuted two inmates.

Head of Timika Prison (Kalapas) Mansyur Yunus Gafur said the investigation was to find the truth of the case.

"Currently we are in the process of internal investigations regarding the alleged acts of violence against two inmates of the Timika Class II B Prison, but unfortunately in the news circulating there was no comprehensive confirmation from us," he said by telephone, Friday, October 25, as reported by Antara.

According to Mansyur, the alleged abuse stemmed from a violation of the use of illegal communication tools by one of the inmates. This, he said, triggered security measures by officers.

"We have strict rules regarding the possession of communication tools such as cell phones, however disciplinary action by prison officers must remain under the rules and not violate human rights," he said.

He explained that regarding the reports that several officers were suspected of committing violence against two local inmates, his party would coordinate with the Mimika Police for the process of further investigation.

"We are very open to each report and ready to cooperate with any party, including the police, to ensure that this case is handled fairly and transparently," he said.

He added that it was not true that the parents of the two inmates came to the prison and saw that both of them were battered and could not walk, because actually both of them were still able to sit down.

"We urge the family and the community to remain calm and wait for the results of the ongoing investigation, we are committed to maintaining transparency in handling this case," he said.