Ex-BIN chief sues fact-finding team

JAKARTA: The former chief of State Intelligence Body (BIN) Gen. (ret) A.M. Hendropriyono has reported two members of a fact- finding team probing the murder of human rights activist Munir to police for defamation.

Hendropriyono, accompanied by his lawyer Maj. Gen. (ret) Syamsu Djalal, a former military police chief, said Rachland Nashidik and Usman Hamid had tarnished his reputation by repeatedly connecting him with the death of Munir, allegations reported by several major newspapers.

Hendropriyono said Rachland and Nashidik had told the media that he was in the United States and was difficult to track down for questioning in connection with the case.

However, Hendropriyono said he had been in Indonesia since April.

Along with the report, Hendropriyono submitted five articles from five different media publications to the National Police as evidence.

Responding to the allegations, Usman said the fact-finding team's work would continue despite Hendropriyono's legal action. -- JP