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