ABC 18/04/2002 17:18:16
Police detain Maluku separatist leader
A separatist leader in Indonesia's Maluku islands has been detained for allegedly
planning to raise a secessionist flag later this month.
Dozens of armed police detained Alex Manuputty, chairman of the pro-independence
Maluku Sovereignty Front, at his home in the city of Ambon.
Police in the city say although he is not under arrest, he will be questioned about
plans to raise the flag of the Republic of South Maluku.
They didn't indicate how long Mr Manuputty will be held.
Police warn that anyone will be arrested who insists on hoisting the Front's flag on
April 25th, which coincides with the anniversary of the Maluku Sovereignty Front.
The Maluku islands have been the scene of three-years of bloody clashes between
Muslims and Christians, which left more than five-thousand people dead and a trail of
destruction.
18/04/2002 17:18:16 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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