Received from Joyo Indonesia News

TEMPO Interactive 13 September 2002

Attorney General Criticizes Bishop Belo

Jakarta: Attorney General MA Rachman has criticized the Bishop of Dili, Mgr. Xiemenes Belo, for his unwillingness to come to Indonesia to appear as a witness with regard to human rights violations in East Timor.

Previously, Bishop Belo made his request through East Timorese Attorney General Longuinhos Monteiro.

He said he was willing to give evidence through a teleconference facility but he would not attend the Human Rights Ad Hoc court held at the Central Jakarta District Court because he had no guarantee of security.

Responding to this request, Attorney General said that Indonesia’s criminal law does not use such a mechanism.

“Such a request does not make sense,” Rachman told reporters at his office on Friday (13/9).

Attorney General Rachman also refused to hold the court in an area bordering East Timor.

"It is just a suggestion," he said.

Previously, this was proposed because witnesses from East Timor not willing to come to Indonesia.

Rachman said the two countries have to reach an agreement first to hold the court at a border area. (Bagja Hidayat � Tempo News Room)

Back to September Menu
August 
Main Postings Menu