Aceh activists come under fire

Aceh activists come under fire

JAKARTA: Researcher George Aditjondro blamed on
Monday Acehnese activists for fleeing their homeland and failing
to provide the press with information on what was really
happening in the province.

"The press has long been criticized for failing to cover both
sides. This is unfair, because Acehnese activists have been
unable to provide data to the press," George addressed dozens of
Acehnese activists in a seminar on press coverage of the war-torn
province.

Reports of human rights abuses have been rife in Aceh
since the imposition of martial law in May 2003. However, no
independent verification could be made due to the government-
imposed restriction against media and observers. -- JP