Violence against media up in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Banda Aceh chapter of the Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) voiced its concern on Wednesday over violence against journalists in Aceh, which has increased over the past few months.

"We are extremely concerned with mounting violence against those working for the media in Aceh," Aceh PWI chairman Adnan N.S. told Antara.

Adnan made the statement following the beating of Serambi Indonesia journalist Maimun Mirdaz by military personnel in Bireuen regency on Sept. 7.

On July 10, Maimun and his colleagues, Rusmadi H.S., Rizannur, and M. Zahrial, were beaten by police in Bireuen.

Earlier, Adnan's minibus was set on fire by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) fighters in Santan village in North Aceh last May 11.

Adnan said both security personnel and GAM fighters had accused the media of being biased against their respective groups. --Antara