Public told not to speculate

SURABAYA: Angered by persistent accusations of military involvement, Military Commander Adm. Widodo AS called on members of the public to stop theorizing about who murdered Irian independence activist Theys Hiyo Eluay.

Widodo confirmed on Wednesday that several soldiers were among the people questioned as witnesses in the incident, although none have been named as suspects.

Theys' body was found near the Irian capital of Jayapura on Nov. 11. His driver, who was also kidnapped, is still missing.

Widodo urged the public to trust the police in Irian Jaya, and in the investigation into Theys's murder.

"We, the military, fully back the police investigation," he said. "And until they come up with any conclusion, people should not speculate on anything about the cause of Theys's death."

Irian community and religious leaders have demanded an investigation independent of the police or military which, they say, may be involved in the killings.--Antara