Theys asks Gus Dur to testify

Tue, 19 Jun 2001, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Chairman of the separatist Papuan
Presidium Council Theys Hiyo Eluay now on trial for alleged
treason has renewed his demand that President Abdurrahman "Gus
Dur" Wahid appear in the court to testify as a witness, a lawyer
said on Monday.

Theys' defense lawyer Anton Raharoson said the summons should
also be addressed to former Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen.
Sylvanus Wenas and former Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Albert Inkiriwang.

"Gus Dur and the former security officers know that the
congress of Papuan people in February last year was merely a plan
to open a new discourse on Irian's self-identity and did not
necessarily imply separation from Indonesia," Anton said after a
hearing at the Jayapura District Court.

According to Anton, the fact that Gus Dur donated Rp 1 billion
for the congress could be interpreted as meaning that he approved
the congress took place.

Calls for having Abdurrahman testify for Theys have mounted
but so far there has been no response from either prosecutors or
judges who consider the request "strange and impossible."

Theys and another four leaders of the Papuan council are
standing trial for subversion.(34)

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