Indonesian general put on trial

Fourteen soldiers are on trial in connection with the killings

The head of Indonesia's special forces has gone on trial in Jakarta, accused of human rights abuses 19 years ago.

Major General Sriyanto Muntarsan is accused of being responsible for the shooting of a crowd of demonstrators at North Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port in September 1984, when he was an army captain.

"I understand the charges but I object to all of them," said General Sriyanto, who wore full army uniform. His lawyers say he was not responsible for his soldiers opening fire.

He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Chief Prosecutor Darmano said the defendant initially tried to persuade the group of Muslim protesters, who were seeking the release of four people detained by the military, to leave.

When they refused, his soldiers lined up and opened fire.

"Sriyanto then yelled 'I'll shoot you if you don't leave this place'. But when the mob finally left, the troops behind him kept on shooting at the protesters, leaving civilian casualties," Darmono told the packed court.

The number of people who died is disputed, but prosecutors said at least 10, and up to 23 people, lost their lives. Many others were detained and allegedly tortured.

The human rights tribunal in Jakarta started hearing the cases of the soldiers involved in what is generally known as the Tanjung Priok incident last month.

Thirteen other people are also currently on trial in connection with the killings.

Human rights activists say Indonesia's special forces, known as Kopassus, have a reputation for brutality and rights abuses.

The tribunal is the same legal body which recently completed a series of trials in connection with the violence which marred East Timor's independence vote.

Six people were found guilty but were given relatively light sentences, prompting criticism from human rights groups and some foreign governments.

Campaigners are concerned that the Tanjung Priok hearings could follow the same pattern.