Hurd voices concern over East Timor sentences
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JAKARTA (AP, Reuter) - The Foreign Secretary, Douglas Hurd, said yesterday he had raised concerns about the relatively light sentences given to Indonesian soldiers tried in the shootings of protesters demanding independence for East Timor.
'I mentioned that we do have concerns . . . over the disparity in sentencing between military and civilians,' he said after talks with Ali Alatas, his Indonesian counterpart.
After troops opened fire on East Timorese demanding independence at a rally on 12 November 1991, military courts sentenced 10 soldiers to prison terms ranging from eight to 18 months for disobedience and misconduct. But sentences ranged from five years to life for the protestors.
Despite Mr Hurd's expressions of concern, however, he signed an agreement to grant Indonesia pounds 65m to help finance a power project.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments