The Jakarta Post, April 03, 2007
Trial begins for Christians accused of double murder in Poso
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Twelve Christian men are being tried at the South Jakarta District Court for the murder
of two Muslims in Poso, Central Sulawesi, and could face the death penalty if
convicted.
Prosecutors told the court Monday the defendants killed two traders at an illegal
roadblock they set up Sept. 23, 2006, near Poleganyara village in East Pamona
district, Poso regency.
The defendants are Harpri "Api" Tumonggi, 28; Darman "Panye" Aja, 23; Edwin "Epin"
Poima, 25; Agus "Anda" Chandra, 23; Syaiful "Ipul" Ibrahim, 22; and Erosman
"Eman" Tioki, 28.
Also being tried are Walsus "Eje" Alpin, 24; Benhard "Tende" Tompodusu, 28; Sastra
Yudawastu "Ibo" Naser, 23; Romi Yanto "Romi" Parusu, 19; Fernikson "Kenong"
Bontura, 20; and Jefri "Ate" Bontura, 21.
Lead prosecutor Bayu Adhinugroho Arianto told presiding judge Achmad Sobari it was
Ipul's idea to set up the roadblock to protest the executions of Fabianus Tibo, Marinus
Riwu and Dominggus da Silva on Sept. 22, 2006.
The three were convicted of leading a Christian militia that launched a series of
attacks in Central Sulawesi in May 2000, including a deadly machete and gun assault
on an Islamic school where scores of men were seeking shelter.
The 12 defendants in this latest case stopped passing vehicles and demanded to see
the identity cards of occupants.
One of the vehicles stopped by the defendants was a cargo van driven by Arham
Badaruddin, 40, and his assistant Wandi, 25, at about 11:30 p.m.
Prosecutors described how the defendants allegedly hunted down the two victims,
tortured and killed them.
The defendants are accused of violating the 2002 Terrorism Law, as well as several
articles in the Criminal Code on murder. They could be executed if convicted.
Judge Achmad Sobari adjourned the hearing until April 12, at which time the court will
begin hearing from 10 witnesses called by the prosecution.
All 12 of the defendants are being held at the Jakarta Police detention center during
the trial.
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