Security forces arrested a Russian tourist and photographer, SIA, around Aikai port, Enarotali, Pania, 11 March 2024. The authorities were allegedly concerned that the tourists were foreign journalists and human rights activists. In fact, he was a tourist and photographer with an interest in cultural life.

SIA was arrested and taken to Paniai Timur Police Station and then to Paniai Police Station. The police deemed his papers incomplete and told him to return to the provincial capital, Nabire. SIA finally left Paniai that day.