Trial of FKM members adjourned

AMBON, Maluku: The panel of judges at the Ambon District Court postponed until next week the trial of six members of the proindependence Maluku Sovereignty Forum (FKM) who are facing subversion charges for raising the South Maluku Republic's flag in Saparua, Central Maluku on April 25, 2002.

During the trial on Wednesday the suspects claimed to be sick and therefore could not hear the sentence demand of the prosecution.

Chairman of the panel of judges, Sugeng Riyono, ordered the government prosecutor to have the suspects examined by physicians from the detention house.

The defendants were scheduled to hear the prosecutors' demands during the court session.

The suspects identified as Wellem Lawalatta, Gerson Luhulima, Alex Patinaya, Gerson Paiplaya, Jhony Siahaya and Yacob Syaranamoal, could be sentenced to up to 20 years imprisonment if they are proven guilty of raising the RMS flag. They were tried in three separate trials facing the same charges.

"Doctors determine whether you (suspects) are healthy or sick and God determines when you will die. Are you (the prosecutor) ready to read your prosecution," said Sugeng.

Judges decided to adjourn the trial until next Wednesday. The two other sessions were also postponed for the same reason. --JP