Proindependence activists arrested in Aceh

BANDA ACEH: Security authorities in Aceh have arrested 12 members of the proindependence Front for Acehnese People's Democratic Resistance.

They were netted in a security operation conducted by a group of security personnel from the Police Mobile Brigade, in Indrajaya, Pidie on Aug. 15, 2002 and so far, none have been released.

Rufriadi, coordinator of the Banda Aceh Legal Aid Institute (LBH) said the activists were arrested when security personnel found antigovernment circulars in the bag of an activist.

"The police should announce to the public why the activists were arrested," he said, citing that the activists' arrest was revealed to local media days after they were captured," he said. --JP