Wiranto's libel suit turned down

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