Amnesty Calls for Probe of Indonesian Mine Killing

Posted October 11th, 2011 at 7:00 am (UTC-5)
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An international human rights group is demanding that Indonesian authorities investigate the deadly shooting of a striking worker by state security forces at a U.S.-run gold and copper mine.

Six other striking miners were injured in Monday's incident at the Freeport-McMoran Grasberg mine in the remote eastern province of Papua.

Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific director, Tuesday urged an independent and impartial investigation into the tragedy. He said authorities should publicize the results.

Officials for the mine workers union says the violence began when more than 1,000 striking workers pelted security forces with rocks.

Zarifi says Indonesian security forces have not learned how to handle protesters without resorting to “excessive, and even lethal, force.”

The miners walked off the job on September 15, demanding a raise in pay.

The strike is the second at the Grasberg mine this year. Miners walked off their jobs for eight days in July, protesting low wages and the dismissal of union leaders.