Soldiers tried for fueling separatism

Soldiers tried for fueling separatism

AMBON, Maluku: Three soldiers stood trial at a military court
in the Maluku capital of Ambon on Friday for allegedly backing
separatism in the troubled city.

The defendants -- First Pvt. Sukino, First Pvt. Jalian and
Second Pvt. Susanto -- were tried for taking a picture together,
with a separatist flag of the South Maluku Front (FKM) in the
background.

Military lawyer for the three suspects, Maj. Edi, dismissed
the charges against them, saying no existing laws ban taking
photos with a separatist flag for memorial purposes.

The military trial, presided over by Lt. Col. Sunarso, was
held at the Ambon District Court. --JP