Jakarta, Aug 05: An Indonesian court today sentenced an Army General to three years jail over serious human rights violations in the violent aftermath of East Timor's 1999 independence vote. Adam Damiri, a former regional commander responsible for security in East Timor while it was still Indonesian territory, was sentenced despite requests from prosecutors that he be acquitted.

"The panel of judges does not share the opinion of the prosecutors who said the defendant was not guilty of the charges. The court refers to the facts that have been unveiled during the trial," said Judge Emmy. The verdict was greeted by a strong cry from the defendant who stood up, throwing his arms in the air.

Damiri is the last and most senior of 18 defendants to appear before the court over the Indonesian army-backed wave of bloody militia violence against East Timorese independence supporters in 1999.


The court was set up to deflect pressure for an international tribunal into the bloodshed but international and local rights groups have called it a sham. Eleven security force members and one civilian have been acquitted by the court. Five people -- two army officers, a former Dili police chief, the former civilian governor and an ex-militia chief -- were ordered jailed but remain free pending appeals.

Bureau Report