Witnesses blame delay in arms trial

JAYAPURA, Papua: The military tribunal here delayed again on Wednesday the trial of two soldiers charged with involvement in the April burglary of munitions from an Army arsenal in Mamena regency, as witnesses did not appear.

The Jayapura military court should have heard the testimony of witnesses either against or in support of First Lt. Pilius Wenda and Serianus Jikwa.

The delay was the third for the same reason as military prosecutors were unable to present seven witnesses at the trial. Five live in Wamena and two others in Manokwari regency.

Prosecutor Lt. Col. Sucahyo said the Trikora military headquarters had promised to help present the witnesses at the trial, but as of Wednesday, none had showed up, he added.

Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal said his personnel in Wamena had encountered difficulty in finding the witnesses as they had moved to other locations.

Pilius was charged with providing weapons to Papuan rebels who were initially blamed for the April 4 theft of thousands of bullets and guns. He could face the death penalty.

Serianus was charged with treason in connection with the burglary.

Seven other soldiers were sentenced to up to seven months and 20 days for negligence when the burglary took place, which killed two troops and one civilian. --JP