Three arrested as West Papua raises Morning Star Flag in Papua New Guinea

The West Papuan Morning Star Flag was raised today at Port Moresby City Hall by NCD Governor  Powes Parkop to mark the opening of the Free West Papua Campaign here in PNG. However, three West Papuan activists  Freddy Mambrasar, Tony Fofoe and UPNG lecturer Patrick Kaiku were arrested by PNG Police after the flag raising ceremony was held. It was alleged that PNG government gave orders to arrest the West Papuan activists. Police claimed that the demonstration was illegal despite being sponsored by Port Moresby Governor Powes Parkop and many other government ministers. 

Governor Parkop personally escorted the three who were arrested to the waiting armoured Police vehicle. He told the crowd that "This will be fought through the courts" Despite the interruptions from the Police and immigration officials which are believed the Indonesian Government is behind, the flag raising ceremony was a success. 

Prior the ceremony, the organizer and West Papuan activist Benny Wenda was issued with restraining order by PNG Police and Immigration Official. Mr Wenda told Guardian Australia that "immigration officers in Papua New Guinea threatened to have him arrested along with an Australian lawyer for "engaging in political activities" and breaching their visa conditions'.

However, the ceremony went ahead with the support from Papua New Guineans as well as West Papuan Communities living in Port Moresby. Port Moresby's Governor Powes Parkop facilitated the ceremony to mark the Free West Papua Campaign. This was the first ever West Papuan Morning Star Flag raised in Papua New Guinea. 

Governor Parkop has also organised a concert to mark the day. The concert will be held this evening at  Pidik Park in the Port Moresby featuring  Rise of the Morning Star Crew,Members of the Black Brothers,Sir George Telek,Twin Tribe,Lani Singers and many more.