Prosecutors want 14 years for GAM speechwriter

Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam

Prosecutors demanded on Saturday a 14-year jail term for a man who wrote speeches and campaigned on behalf of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in its fight for independence.

Irwandi Yusuf alias Isnandar Al Passee, dubbed GAM's campaign manager, was charged with voluntarily supporting the separatist group through his campaign and publications.

The prosecutors said Irwandi was responsible for media releases and other publication materials related to the activities of the rebels. The defendant is also known to be the speechwriter for several GAM leaders during a series of peace talks sponsored by a Swiss-based organization and which included the Indonesian government.

"The defendant violated Article 106 of the Criminal Code on treason," the prosecutors told the Banda Aceh District Court.

Irwandi, a veterinarian and noted elephant trainer, was arrested in Jakarta following the imposition of martial law in the province on May 19.

He is known to have worked closely with GAM leaders, such as the movement's armed wing commander, Muzakir Manaf, and other top figures such as Sofyan Dawood and Ishak Daud.

The defendant also served as the interpreter for the rebel group at international functions.

During the trial, Irwandi, who is also a lecturer at a state- owned university in Aceh, was accompanied by his lawyer M. Syafi'e Saragih.

Prosecutors also presented various documents and drafts of speeches belonging to the separatist movement and a notebook computer as evidence.

The trial will resume on Thursday to hear the defense argument from Irwandi's lawyer.

Since the imposition of the martial law, the police and Indonesian Military (TNI) have arrested over 1,000 GAM members and supporters as part of the operation to enforce the law. The police have handed over 350 cases involving suspected GAM members and supporters to prosecutors, some of whom are now on trial.

In a related development, police shot dead a GAM leader from Pidie regency, Jailani bin Yusuf, on Friday after they said he had resisted arrest.

"When the police were trying to arrest him, he opened fire at the officers," spokesman for Aceh Police Sr. Comr. Sayed Hoesainy told a press conference on Saturday.

Police confiscated an FN pistol and dozens of ammunition from Jailani.