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Sat, 10 May 2003

JP/Prosecutors complete dossiers on Papua arms thieves

Prosecutors complete dossiers on Papua arms thieves

Nethy Dharma Somba The Jakarta Post Jayapura, Papua

Nine soldiers could face sentences of four years to life imprisonment in connection with last month's raid on the Wamena military district arsenal that killed three people.

"We have completed the case files and they only need some corrections," Papua Military Police commander Col. Sutarna said on Friday.

"We will submit the files to military prosecutors on May 13 at the latest. The prosecutors will forward the files on to the military court," he explained.

Police believe the raid on the Wamena arsenal on April 4 was the work of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) separatist movement. They also suspect it was an inside job, citing the ease with which it was carried out.

Two soldiers and one suspected OPM member died in the raid. The attackers stole dozens of rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Prosecutors have charged six soldiers with negligence.

The first four are First Maj. Karel Itlay, First Sgt. Pilemon Pawiko, Chief Corp. Paus Kogoya and First Pvt. Eduardus Kimirop whom prosecutors said failed in their duties.

The other two soldiers, First Sgt. Yarima Mable and Second Corp. Muhidim Liwan Johari, are charged with deserting their posts at the time the attack occurred.

The six suspects could face four years in prison for negligence under Article 118 of the military criminal code.

Two other soldiers, Lt. Philipus Wenda and First Sgt. Iton Kogoya, reportedly gave the attackers ammunition, for which they could face five-year prison terms.

Further, First Sgt. Serinaus Jikwa allegedly provided the attackers with information, an offense that Sutarna said could send him to prison for life.

He added that the soldiers could also be discharged from service.

Police also arrested seven alleged OPM members, including one whom they believe was the mastermind behind the attack.

OPM is fighting a low-level war for independence in the vast but sparsely populated province, where poverty is high despite its rich natural resources.