A human rights activist in the Indonesian province of Papua says nine military suspects in the murder of pro-independence leader, Theys Eluay, should be tried in civilian court instead of a military tribunal.
Todung Mulya Lubis says any cases tried at the military tribunal will not be as open as trials at a civilian court, because it is not in line with principles of the due process of law.
Todung says trying military men before the military tribunal will only pave the way for them to protect the institution from claims of wrongdoing.
Nine members of the Army's Special Forces, including three middle ranking officers are charged with committing "an ordinary murder" and face a maximum of 15 years in jail if convicted.
Papuan religiousd and community leaders have also demanded that the government bring the case to a human rights court as they believe a political motive was behind Eluay's killing.
