KOPASSUS SHOT WITNESS IN THEYS ELUAY CASE

Jayapura 11 May 2002 - Yeret Imowi (aged 27), also present at the function held by the Kopassus (Indonesian Army elite force) where Theys Eluay, chairman of The Papuan Council Presidium, was last seen alive, was deliberately shot from some distance by a Kopassus member, but escaped. The perpetrator identified as First Sergeant Yani, a member of Kopassus Tribuana IX.

Elsham Papua investigation team arriving at the scene in Hamadi, Jayapura, confirmed the incident. 

On Friday 10 May, at 20.30 PM local time (evening), Yeret Imowi accompanied by his friend Steven Kafiar (aged 18) went to purchase a board marker at a nearby shop. On their way home, Steven asked some lime (for chewing betel nuts) from four ladies selling betel nuts by the road. Yeret was some distance away from Steven and the four ladies selling betel nuts. Having waited for some time, Yeret approached Steven. But when got closer to them, he saw Sergeant Yani who was with Steven and the ladies. Sergeant Yani called Yeret to come to him. Scared, Yeret did not comply, in stead he turned and run away. Sergeant Yani drew his pistol and fired a shot directly aimed at Yeret but missed (fortunately, Yeret stumbled and fell to the ground when the bullet was fired).

The distance between Sergeant Yani and Yeret was around 15-20 meters. Yeret kept on running. He survived. 

The shot caused a great stir to the local residence and passers by. Some inquisitive youths nearby were threatened. The chase ended near Yeret’s house. When Elsham investigation team arrived, three motor bikes were seen running here and forth near the scene.

During April-May 2002, Yeret Imowi was asked by the authority to come to Jakarta in his capacity as a witness to Theys Hiyo Eluay case. He turned down the request. This is believed to be one reason of the incident.