Gov't says SIRA chief trial in Sabang

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)