Terrorist suspects to face death

AMBON, Maluku: Two terrorist suspects went on trial in Ambon District Court on Thursday and could be sentenced to death if convicted.

Idi Amin Thabrani Pattimura, alias Ongen Pattimura, and Asep Djaja, alias Aji or Dahlan or Yahya, are charged with violating the Antiterrorism Law (No. 15/2003). The two are being tried separately.

Prosecutors Nunik Triyana and Fauzy Marasabessy said Ongen was involved in masterminding a Feb. 14, 2005, armed attack on Villa Kareoke in Hative Besar village, Teluk Ambon Baguala district, which left two people dead and another person wounded.

Ongen stood as a candidate for the Prosperous Justice Party in last year's general elections.

In the other trial, Fauzy and another prosecutor, Hamzah Ohoiulun, alleged that Asep Djaja was involved in an attack on Wamkana village on May 5, 2004, which claimed three lives.

Asep Djaja was also accused of playing a key role in the May 16 attack on a Mobile Brigade base, in which five policemen and a civilian were killed. --JP