UN probe of Theys' killing urged

UN probe of Theys' killing urged

INDONESIA: Tribal leaders in Papua province said on Saturday they would urge the United Nations to reopen an investigation into the killing of a prominent independence leader, saying the trial for his murder was flawed.

The Papuan Tribal Council, which supports independence for the resource-rich province, plans to write a letter to UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan calling on him to reopen the investigation into the 2001 killing of Theys Eluay, leader of the Papuan Presidium Council.

"The Tribal Council and all people of Papua reject the legal process and its result and demand a thorough investigation into the murder," said spokesman Peter Yarangga.

"The trial of the military personnel who killed Theys was not fair because it was conducted by the military itself so the defendants were given light sentences," he added. -- AP