Soldier tried for Timika shooting

Soldier tried for Timika shooting

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A member of the Army's Special Force
appeared in the local military tribunal on Thursday charged with
the fatal shooting of 16 people in Timika airport in April 1996
Antara reported yesterday.

The soldier, an second lieutenant in the infantry allegedly
opened fire on the April 15 1996. Ten other people were injured
in the incident.

Among the victims include his superior Lt. Col. Adel and three
fellow members of the elite force, three members of the 752nd
Battalion, a member of the 328th Battalion, two employees of PT
Freeport Indonesia and two employees of PT Airfast charter
company, one of whom is an Australian citizen.

The defendant had led one of the units that helped in the
freeing of hostages, including some Europeans, captured by
separatist rebels in Irian Jaya early last year.

The prosecutor stated that the defendant was frustrated
because he was unhappy with some of the assignments he had been
given, such as building a helipad, market and football field in
Irian Jaya hinterland.

He failed to perform to expectations and was reassigned to
Timika without any specific post. The defendant also stole Rp
800,000 from a first private in Timika. (emb)