FORMER INTELLIGENCE OFFICIAL STANDS TRIAL IN MUNIR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 JAKARTA 001594

SIPDIS

DEPT. FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, DRL, DRL/AWH
NSC FOR EPHU

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2018
TAGS: PGOV KJUS PHUM ID
SUBJECT: FORMER INTELLIGENCE OFFICIAL STANDS TRIAL IN MUNIR
CASE

REF: JAKARTA 1252 AND PREVIOUS

JAKARTA 00001594 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: The trial of former Indonesian Intelligence
Agency (BIN) Deputy Director Muchdi Purwoprandjono began
August 21 in Jakarta. Muchdi--who is also a former commander
of Kopassus (Army special forces)--is charged with complicity
in the premeditated murder of well-known human rights
activist Munir Said Thalib in 2004. Prosecutors used the
first day to lay out key aspects of their case against
Muchdi. The much-anticipated court case is a test for
respect for human rights and accountability in Indonesia.
END SUMMARY.

START OF MUNIR-RELATED TRIAL


2. (C) An important human rights trial has begun in
Indonesia. On August 21 in the South Jakarta District Court,
prosecutors read an indictment detailing charges against
Muchdi, a former BIN official and also a former Army Special
Forces (KOPASSUS) Commander. He is the first BIN
official--and first Kopassus commander--ever to stand trial
for a human rights crime. POLOFF and Pol FSN attended
yesterday's hearing. The court was packed with supporters of
Muchdi and handful of human rights advocates and others who
demand justice in the Munir case.


3. (C) Muchdi is charged with "intentionally causing" the
premeditated murder of human rights activist Munir Said
Thalib, killed with arsenic in September 2004 en route from
Jakarta to Amsterdam on board the state airline, Garuda (ref
A). Prosecutors said Muchdi recruited Garuda employee
Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto to carry out the plan. (Note:
In January, the Supreme Court sentenced Pollycarpus to 20
years and he is currently in prison.) Muchdi could face up
to 20 years or the death penalty. Our understanding is
Muchdi plans to put up a full-scale defense. The next
hearing is scheduled for September 2.

PROSECUTORS REVIEW CHARGES


4. (C) Prosecutors told the court that Muchdi had a personal
motive for Munir's murder. Munir--an outspoken critic of
impunity in the Armed Forces and intelligence
agencies--exposed Kopassus' apparent involvement in
activists' disappearances in 1997-1998. Munir's
investigation allegedly led to Muchdi's dismissal soon after
his inauguration as KOPASSUS Commander, prosecutors
maintained. Prosecutors told the court that Muchdi held a
personal grudge against Munir for ending his military career.


5. (C) Indonesia's human rights community is watching the
case closely. While praising the bringing of the case, Usman
Hamid, a human rights lawyer involved in the case, told
poloff the focus on Muchdi's personal motive might cut off
the possibility of pursuing other intelligence officials
suspected to be involved in the murder. He said other
high-level BIN officials were involved, but proof revolved
around testimony by a key witness, which observers close to
the case say may be a current military officer and witness to
discussions planning Munir's murder (ref A).


6. (C) Suciwati, Munir's widow, told POLOFF she hoped the
ongoing investigation and proceedings would lead to bringing
to justice a wider network of masterminds behind the murder,
including Gen. (ret.) and former BIN Head Hendropriyono.


7. (C) Muchdi supporters in the courtroom muttered that
Muchdi was innocent and "a victim" of a smear campaign.
Translations of a European Union statement and letters from
the U.S. Congress and U.S. NGO Human Rights First regarding
the case were distributed, labeled: "Muchdi is a victim of

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foreign intervention!" The courtroom was packed with right
wing militants known to have allegiances with some former
military officials. A handful of members of Gerindra, former
General Prabowo's (small) party, also watched the court
proceedings. (Note: Muchdi and Prabowo had a close
relationship during their military careers. Prabowo is
implicated in violence in the late 1990's. He is now
involved in politics.)

A KEY CASE


8. (C) Muchdi's court proceedings mark progress in a case
many observers see as a "test" of Indonesia's respect for
human rights and accountability. The fact that a former
Kopassus commander has been brought up on charges is also
significant. At this point, prosecutors seem confident about
their case, but there is little doubt that Muchdi will put up
a strong defense. As noted, he has supporters who are sure
to crowd the courtroom and try to sway public opinion and
build political pressure to get their man off the hook.

HUME