BBC World News, Thursday, 18 April, 2002, 12:35 GMT 13:35 UK
Indonesia detains Moluccan separatist
Indonesian police have detained a separatist leader in the Moluccan islands, Alex
Manuputty. He was seized in a raid on his home in Ambon city.
A police spokeswoman said Mr Manuputty, who leads the Maluku Sovereignty Front,
was being questioned about his plan to raise a secessionist flag next week on the
anniversary of the Front's foundation 52 years ago during Dutch colonial rule.
The Front draws support from Christians, who make up about half South Maluku's two
million population.
Thousands of people died in a three-year conflict between the province's Christians
and Muslims that ended in a peace deal earlier this year.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
© BBC
|
