Indonesia: Lenient sentences for torturers
last updated Jan 25, 2011
The three Indonesian soldiers involved in the torture of two indigenous Papuans were convicted to sentences between 8 and 10 months for disobeying orders. The more serious charge – torture – was dismissed by the military court claiming there was insufficient evidence. The soldiers were filmed during the physical abuse of the Papuans and the video caused uproar among human rights organisations.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the lenient conviction and the lack of efforts by the Indonesian government to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation of the case. The incidents happened in the Papua province of Indonesia, an area with a high military presence. Journalists and human rights workers are barred from the province.
NY Times: Indonesian Military Trial Angers Activists
Reuters: Rights group angered by Indonesian sentences for Papua soldiers
Indonesia country profile
