Protest turns violent in Indonesia

Large demonstrations in Indonesia’s West Papua region have turned violent as thousands of protesters burned public facilities and blocked roads.

The protesters were angered by alleged police abuse against ethnic Papuan students.

In West Papua province’s capital of Manokwari, protesters burned the parliamentary building and local stores.

Indonesia’s national police spokesman, Dedi Prasetyo, said a building previously occupied by West Papua provincial governor Dominggus Mandacan was also burned.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.