Prisoner serving life freed

Prisoner serving life freed

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Timsar Zubil alias Sudirman, 49, sentenced for life in 1986 for his involvement in separatist activities launched by the Free Aceh Movement, was released on Saturday following the issuance of a presidential pardon on Dec. 31, 1998.

Antara reported he had admitted to have launched many "radical" actions in disappointment with the past New Order government.

The actions had included the burning of a house of worship, a Methodist school, and a movie house in Medan. The report did not identify the worship place.

The father of two was arrested on Jan. 17, 1977.

On Jan. 5, 1978, he was sentenced death, but in 1985 his case was reopened and the sentence was changed to life imprisonment.