23 Aug 2019 | 07:40 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Rally planned in Port Moresby August 24
Civil society groups plan to march through Port Moresby on August 24 in solidarity with protesters in West Papua (Indonesia); heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
Activists are planning to hold a peaceful march through Port Moresby on Saturday, August 24, in solidarity with protesters in Indonesia’s West Papua province. The rally is scheduled to begin at 09:00 (local time) at Konedobu Oval, with participants marching to Jack Pidik Park via the Poreporena Freeway. Organizers are planning to end the event at 13:00. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions, particularly along the march route, are expected on Saturday.
Context
Violent protests have been taking place in West Papua province since April 18, after police officers detained 43 students accused of desecrating the Indonesian flag. The Indonesia government has deployed additional security forces into the region as of August 22 and are restricting internet access.
Advice
Individuals in Port Moresby are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
