Yoel Heluka

Detainees
Gender
Male
Age when first arrested
36
Age group when first arrested
Adult (25-64)
Date of arrest
Apr 11, 2024
Place of origin
Yahukimo Regency
Occupation
  • Student
Reason of arrest
  • Accused of collaborating with armed groups
  • Affiliation with independence groups
Arrested by (Institution)
  • Police
Arrested by (Unit)
  • Polres Yahukimo
  • Satgas Damai Cartenz
Type of violation
  • Arbitrary Arrest
Article(s) during arrest
  • Article 338 jo. Article 55 (1) Criminal Code
  • Article 340 jo. Article 55 (1) Criminal Code
Article(s) in indictment
  • Article 338 jo. Article 55 (1) Criminal Code
  • Article 340 jo. Article 55 (1) Criminal Code
Article(s) in prosecution
  • Article 340 jo. Article 55 (1) Criminal Code
Article(s) in verdict
  • Article 340 jo. Article 55 (1) Criminal Code
Final sentence
> 5-10 years
Exact sentence
10 years
Date of sentencing
Oct 22, 2024
Place of the first detention
Polres Yahukimo
Place of imprisonment
Lapas Kelas IIB Wamena
Concerns reported
  • Arbitrary arrest
Current status
  • Imprisoned
Sources

Wamena District Court | Supreme Court

Additional description

The Cartenz Peace Task Force arrested Yoel Heluka and Anius Payage in Kali Wo, Yahukimo, 11 April 2024. They were both allegedly involved in the murder of migrant gold panners in Kali Ei, Seradala District, Yahukimo, 16 October 2023.

On 30 April 2024, the police only announced their arrest and the criminal charges they had allegedly committed.

On 23 August 2024, their case was registered at the Wamena District Court. Two months later, the panel of judges found Yoel guilty and sentenced him to 10 years in prison, in line with the prosecutor's demands.

In addition to arresting the two men, police also shot dead two others, Afrika Heluka and Toni Wetapo, for allegedly resisting arrest.

Related detention facility

Latitude: -4.865770637613093

Longitude: 139.48709778869957

Related detention facility (linked Detainees)
Polres Yahukimo
Lapas Kelas IIB Wamena
Related event