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