Waspada
31 January, 2004

The Kualasimpang State Court of Aceh Tamiang region has decided that it has the authority to try the case concerning the statement of Aceh Tamiang Students' Association Head Sab, and his friend Mur, that demanded the ending of the Military Emergency in Aceh.

The tribunal of the State Court decided this at a session on Tuesday, 27/1/04. The court had heard previously from counsel for the accused Husni Thamrin Tanjung, LLB, who argued that the Kualasimpang court had no authority to try the case, since the statement by the accused had been made in Medan, and the prosecution's indictment sheet was unclear and vague. But the panel of judges led by Zulkifli, LLB and also comprising Sabar Simbolon LLB and M. Jamil, LLB, rejected Husni?s arguments. According to the panel, the prosecution indictment prepared by Kualasimpang public prosecutor Amanto, LLB and Aji Susanto LLB was legally correct. 'Also, the Kualasimpang state court has the authority to try a case concerning statements demanding an end to the military emeregency,' stated the tribunal. At this session, the tribunal also ordered the public proseuctor to call witnesses in order to hear their testimony. According to the Public Prosecutor, Sab and Mur were accused of having made the statement 'end the Military Emergency in Aceh' which had the effect of sowing hatred and enmity towards the government of the Integral State of the Republic of Indonesia.

The trial will be resume on 4 February to hear and cross-examine witnesses in the case.