Three soldiers tried for killing

Three soldiers tried for killing

JAKARTA (JP): Three soldiers appeared before the military court in Jayapura yesterday charged with the death of at least three civilians last June, Antara reported.

The news agency said a fourth soldier who was a member of the same patrol unit would be tried separately, beginning today.

The trial is the first following a military admission in October that a number of soldiers committed procedural errors in handling civilians suspected of assisting Irian Jaya separatist rebels.

The military launched the investigation into the case after local missionaries reported that 16 civilians were killed by soldiers during an operation against the rebels in June.

The 16 deaths have since been confirmed by the National Commission on Human Rights.

Antara identified the three defendants as Chief Private Titus Kobegau, Second Private N.H. Renyaan and Second Private Laode Yahnudin. The fourth soldier whose trial begins today is Second Lieutenant Mardjaka. They were members of the 732d infantry battalion stationed in Irian Jaya.

According to the military prosecution, the defendants, including Mardjaka, were members of the Rajawali Operation 06 which were assigned to patrol the Kampung Putih village in the Paniai regency. They were assisted by eight volunteers.

On their arrival there, they were divided into two groups. One was led by Titus Kobegau, who visited Agamkinagam village, and another group, led by Mardjaka, went to another destination, which was not mentioned by Antara.

Finding Agamkinagam village deserted, Titus' unit proceeded to Agani, about half an hour away. The soldiers there met with a hostile reception as local people fired arrows at them.

It was then that Titus ordered his troops to open fire, according to the prosecution. Three villagers, identified as Maria, Arince Alomang and Theo Amonkwame, were killed.

Titus later seized 17 civilians whom he turned over to the military in Hoya, the largest town nearby, to have them investigated.

Major P.R. Manalu, who is prosecuting the case, told the military tribunal yesterday that he was planning to present 15 witnesses, including Agani villagers and village officials, to testify against the defendants.

The news agency did not specify the charges being brought against the defendants, who are represented by Major Sugiman and Second Lieutenant Subayo Santosa.

Lt. Col Uum Kasum and Major John Tuhusula who are trying the case, agreed to the defendants' request for an adjournment to allow them to prepare their defense. (emb)