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Indonesia Opens Military Trial of 4 Intelligence Officers in Acid Attack on Activist

The military-run proceeding tests Indonesia’s willingness to hold security forces to account.

Overview

  • Military prosecutors in Jakarta opened the case Wednesday by charging four Strategic Intelligence Agency officers, seeking prison terms of up to 12 years, with witnesses due May 6.
  • Prosecutors say the men planned the assault to punish Andrie Yunus for criticizing expanded military roles and used a mix of battery acid and rust remover in the attack.
  • Andrie Yunus, 27, suffered chemical burns to about one-fifth of his body and severe damage to his right eye, and he remains in treatment.
  • Indonesia’s human rights commission says at least 14 people were linked to the plot, and rights groups argue a military court limits transparency and want a civilian investigation.
  • The intelligence agency’s chief has since resigned without explanation, adding to scrutiny of whether responsibility extends beyond the four defendants.