Rebel gets 15 years

Rebel gets 15 years

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The district court of Lhokseumawe sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for trying to separate Aceh from Indonesia and make it an independent Islamic state.

Syamaun bin Husen, 41, admitted to being an activist of the outlawed Free Aceh Movement.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sumitro, had sought a life sentence for Syamaun, who was in charge of handling logistics for the Bantaqiah rebel group under the command of Guru Rahman, who is still at large.

The team of judges led by Eko Martojo said Syamaun's activities threatened the unity of the republic and undermined the 1945 constitution, Antara reported.

Syamaun is one of five Bantaqiah members who have been tried on similar charges. Four, including Syamaun, have been jailed for between nine and 20 years. The sentencing of the remaining rebel is expected in the near future. (pan)