Public told not to speculate

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