ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/04/2003 08:42:00
Murderers praised by Indonesia's top soldier
The Indonesian Army Chief has described seven Kopassus soldiers convicted of the
killing of a Papuan independence leader as heroes.
General Ryamizard Ryacudu made the comments two days after the men were
handed light sentences for the killing of Theys Eluay.
Indonesia Correspondent Tim Palmer reports the General Ryamizard says he accepts
the men had to be sentenced because Indonesia is a state based on law.
However, he says he considers the seven are heroes because the man killed was a
rebel leader.
Palmer says the comments are likely to stir sentiments in Papua even further.
He says many Papuans believe the verdict failed to identify those who ordered the
killing and handed out soft punishments.
The longest prison sentence is three and a half years.
The Papuan independence figure Theys Eluay was found strangled in his car.
That was after he'd left a dinner hosted by Indonesia's Kompassus commando forces.
24/04/2003 08:42:00 | ABC Radio Australia News
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