Army helps probe Theys murder

JAKARTA: The Army has sent a five-member team to Papua to help police investigate the Nov. 11 murder of independence activist Theys Hiyo Eluay.

Central military police chief Maj. Gen. Djasri Marin said on Thursday that the team was led by Army Intelligence Chief Brig. Gen. Sardas Markus.

The Team was sent at the request of Papuan police investigators who were denied access to the Army in their efforts to probe the alleged involvement of soldiers in Theys's murder.

"We will hide nothing. If soldiers were involved (in the murder) we will make it public," Djasri told journalists.

Police have questioned more than 40 people as witnesses in Theys's killing, including seven members of Army Special Forces (Kopassus).

Theys was allegedly murdered on his way home from Army-hosted Heroes Day celebrations in Papua's capital, Jayapura.

Local religious and political activists have alleged that the military was behind Theys's murder, something that the military has denied.--JP