Military is not above the law, officer says<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): No member of the Armed Forces (ABRI) is above
\nthe law and any soldier who transgresses will be punished in
\naccordance with the law, says the military commander in East
\nTimor.<\/p>\n
Infantry Colonel Jhony J. Lumintang gave this assurance during
\na meeting with East Timor tribal leaders in Dili, capital of the
\nprovince, on Tuesday, the Antara news agency reported.<\/p>\n
Lumintang, chief of the Wira Dharma 164 Military Resort, said
\nABRI's presence in East Timor is intended to provide the local
\npopulace with a feeling of security, to offer counseling and to
\nhelp develop various social and economic projects.<\/p>\n
The military is also entrusted with protecting the people from
\nthe last remnants of the separatist rebels, he was quoted as
\nsaying.<\/p>\n
His statement came in the wake of massive protests by local
\npeople against two members of the military for allegedly
\noffending a ritual during a church ceremony.<\/p>\n
The military has promised to launch an investigation against
\nthe two officers who have already been suspended, according to
\nAntara.<\/p>\n
East Timor marks its 18th anniversary since its integration
\nwith Indonesia this Sunday. The former Portuguese colony became
\npart of the republic in 1976 after its tribal leaders,
\nrepresenting the majority of the people, signed a petition
\ndeclaring their intention to join Indonesia. (emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/military-is-not-above-the-law-officer-says-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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