ABC AUSTRALIA, 22/10/2003 02:15:31
Independence call in Aceh leads to jail term
A human rights activist has been jailed in Indonesia for her calls for an independence
vote for the war-torn province of Aceh.
Aceh District Court judges found 47-year-old Cut Nur Asikin guilty of treason, and
spreading hatred through public speeches. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
The same court also gave lengthy jail terms to three separatist rebel negotiators who
were imprisoned earlier this year.
The men, all members of the Free Aceh movement, were found guilty of involvement in
terror crimes and treason.
Their sentences range from 12 to 15 years.
Indonesia placed Aceh under martial law in May, and launched a military operation to
crush separatist rebels after the collapse of peace talks.
The talks were aimed at ending the decades-old conflict which has claimed more than
10,000 lives since 1976.
22/10/2003 02:15:31 | ABC Radio Australia News
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