Indonesian Army's Terrorising Of Aceh Must End Now

The deliberate policy of the Indonesian Army (TNI) of terrorising journalists and human rights workers in Aceh is at the heart of the problem of securing the release of Ersa Siegar and cameraman Fery Santoro from the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

The pair would have been released months ago, if it wasn't for the deliberate obstruction of the Indonesian Army.

It seems clear that the Indonesian Army are afraid of what these journalists might reveal about their massive human rights abuses against the people of Aceh since martial law was declared in May and the entry of over 30,000 troops to the province.

The Indonesian government's announcement in November that martial law would continue was a further savage blow for human rights in the province.

"The New Zealand goverment must take a much stronger stance and push the Indonesian government to end martial law and release the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) peace negotiators arrested in May. These actions would at least be a move in the right direction." said Peace Action Wellington member John Anderson.

For a copy of the soon to be released newsletter 'Su Dari Acheh - Voices of Aceh' email peacewellington@hotmail.com or phone 04 971 6695.

ENDS

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