ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/12/2003 19:13:40
Convicted Indonesian separatist leader leaves for US
An Indonesian separatist leader who was released pending an appeal against a prison
sentence has reportedly moved to the United States to campaign for independence for
the Maluku islands.
The chairman of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), Alex Manuputty, left Indonesia
from Batam island last month.
FKM's secretary-general, Sammy Waileruni, says Mr Manuputty "won't return until
Maluku's sovereignty is restored".
Manuputty and Waileruni were sentenced to three years in prison in January for
subversion.
An appeals court in May increased their jail terms to four years.
They were released pending an appeal to the Supreme Court after their detention
period expired in early November.
Maluku's governor, Karel Ralahalu, has expressed concern that a convicted separatist
leader had been allowed to leave the country.
© ABC 2003 |
