West Papua: Separatist flag raiser sentenced to three years

Biak, Papua (ANTARA News) - The district court of Biak, Papua sentenced Oktavianus Warnares, defendant in the separatist "Morning Star" flag raising case in Biak Timur, Papua, on May 1, 2013, to three years imprisonment, here on Tuesday.

Chief Judge Demon Sembiring stated, while reading the verdict, that the defendant was legitimately found guilty of violating Article 106 in conjunction with Criminal Code Article 110 in conjunction with Law Number 1 of 1951 as well as Article 55 of the Criminal Code.

Upon hearing the verdict, the defendant, flanked by lawyers Gustaf Kawer and Olga Hamadi, clarified that he would think about whether or not to appeal.

Prosecutor Leni Silaban, meanwhile, noted that she will appeal the verdict.

Earlier Markus Sawian, a defendant on the same case, had been sentenced to two years in jail, while first defendant George Simyapen 2.6 years, second defendant Yosef Wamaer two years and Yosef Arwakom 1.8 years, in jail.

The dossier of defendant Johanis Boserem, meanwhile, had been returned to the prosecutor because the defendant was proven to be mentally disturbed.

In their consideration, the judges stated that their activities had threatened the existence of the Unitary State of Indonesia.

The judges meanwhile had ordered the eradication of pieces of evidence including a Morning Star flag, a revolver, a military costume, 39 bullets, self-made bomb and several others.

Editor: Heru

ENDS

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