Gov't says SIRA chief trial in Sabang

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The trial of Central Information for Aceh Referendum (SIRA) chief Muhammad Nazar remains up in the air after the government brushed off a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday that the trial venue be moved from Sabang, Aceh to Medan, North Sumatra.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in Jakarta that the government was firm in its decision to hold the trial in Sabang.

The Supreme Court in its letter No. 02/PIDUM/II/2001 dated Feb. 14, and signed by the court's general crimes unit chief Syaifudin Kartasasmita, said the decision was taken "after serious deliberation between related institutions" and "for the sake of security".

The court did not set a date for the trial.

Nazar has been detained since Nov. 20 last year following a congress held to demand a referendum in the capital of Aceh, Banda Aceh.

He is charged under articles 154 and 155 of the Criminal Code on hostile intentions and treason against the state, charges which carry a maximum sentence of seven years in jail.

Nazar and his legal representatives have strongly opposed the plan to try him in Medan.(50/edt)