Free propaganda for GAM

Tue, 29 Jan 2002, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

When I looked at the front page of the Jan. 25 edition of The
Jakarta Post I was surprised, or perhaps "shocked" would be a
better word, to find free propaganda for the Free Aceh Movement
(GAM).

The use of the word "murder" in the title Syafi'ie murder
toughens GAM spirit 'to fight for free Aceh' might create a
misunderstanding, as if Syafi'ie was murdered by the security
forces, while in fact he was killed in a gun battle, where
members of the military or GAM members could die. "Murder" here
sounds like an oblique accusation against the legal military of
the republic and this will be used by certain NGOs to add to the
long list of human rights violation by the Indonesian military.

On Jan. 24 the Post wrote: Military kills GAM chief in gun
battle. Syafi'ie was shot in the thigh and chest during a 30-
minute fire fight with army soldiers in Cubo, Pidie regency. This
is objective reporting.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta

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