Youth reportedly dead after Madang police assault

A youth in Madang has reportedly died after being assaulted by police officers.

During yesterday’s protest at the Madang Four-Mile market, 13 youths were rounded up by police and taken to the station.

One of the parents, Julie Parr, told Loop PNG that her son texted her saying they were brutally beaten up in the cells after they were apprehended at around 2pm on Monday (April 9).

“One of them died from his injuries while only 12 remain in there.”

A tearful Parr, including family members of the other youths, gathered at the Madang Police Station early this morning but were refused entry.

“They wouldn’t let us go in and see our sons! These boys are innocent.

“They were standing in front of the crowd, listening to what was being said at the market when stones were thrown at the police.

“These were not the boys.”

The mother questioned why their sons were being beaten up when charges have not been laid against them yet.

“I am worried about my son. The policemen said they will send them to Beon jail.”

Meantime, Gama LLG president, Elijah Kas, told Loop PNG that the frustrated locals have refused to meet with the Madang police regarding the protest.

“They have created a situation here that is why our people would rather meet with the mobile squad from Lae,” stated Kas.

“Frustration is building up.”

Attempts to get comments from Madang police have been unsuccessful.

(Protesters in Madang yesterday)

Author: 
Carmella Gware