The Jakarta Post, 8/1/2006 4:20:06 PM
Seven Papuans refuse to be tried in Jakarta
(Antara): Seven Papuans accused of murdering two American teachers and an
Indonesian colleague in 2002 refused to attend their trial at the Central Jakarta District
Court on Tuesday, saying they would rather die than be tried in the capital.
"We refuse to be tried here. We prefer to be shot. We are ready to be shot," said
Ishak Onawame, one of the seven defendants, as authorities tried to force him to take
a seat in the courtroom.
Americans Ricky Lynn Spier and Edwin Leon Burgon, and Indonesian Bambang
Riwanto were killed in an attack on their bus in Papua in 2002. Several other PT
Freeport Indonesia employees were wounded in the attack.
Another defendant, Antonius Wawang, ignored the judge's order to take his seat while
the defense statement was read.
Four court officers were unable to force him into his seat. Lawyer Johnson Pandjaitan
also failed to persuade him to attend the court hearing.
The other defendants are Agustinus Anggaibak, alias Agus (23), Yulianus Deikme,
alias Peli (26), Esau Onawame (23), Hardi Sugumol (34), and Yairus Kiwak, alias
Kibak (52).
They could face the death penalty if found guilty of the murders. (**)
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