Lawyers appeal for fairness in Theys case

SURABAYA, East Java: The team of lawyers for the seven members of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) accused of killing proindependence Papua figure Dortheys "Theys" Hiyo Eluway, have appealed to judges to be fair in imposing punishment on their clients.

One of the lawyers, Mario Bernardo, said he suspected political pressure had led to the trial.

"The court should use a legal basis instead of political considerations in trying this case," he said at a court hearing here on Thursday.

The defendants, identified as Lt. Col. Hartomo, Capt. Rionard, First Sgt. Asria, Maj. Doni Hutabarat, First Lt. Agus Supriyanto, Chief Private Ahmad Zulfahmi and First Lt. Laurensius, have been tried for their alleged involvement in the killing of Theys in Papua on Nov. 11, 2001.

"The honorable judges should make a fair, humane and professional decision. The verdict should not break their military spirit because they have been fighting for the nation's unity," said Mario.

The trial was adjourned until April 21 to hear the judges' verdict. --JP