Wiranto's libel suit turned down

BOGOR: The Cibinong District Court on Wednesday ruled in favor of University Indonesia sociologist Thamrin Amal Tomagola who was sued by former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto and three other Army generals.

According to the panel of judges, presided over by Judge Sareh Wiyono, the evidence presented at the hearings was not sufficient to prove the libel suit.

Thamrin was accused of defaming Wiranto, Lt. Gen. Djaja Suparman, Lt. Gen. Suaidi Marasabessy and Maj. Gen. Sudi Silalahi, during a speech in August last year, which was quoted by Ambon-based Siwa Lima daily.

During the speech, the accused called the plaintiffs "provocateurs" and masterminds of clashes in Ambon and Maluku, according to the daily.--JP