1 Nov 2006

Jakarta court to deliver Freeport killing verdict next week

11:01 am on 1 November 2006

A court in Jakarta will deliver its verdict in the case of seven Papuans accused of involvement in the 2002 killing of two US nationals next week.

The men are accused of carrying out a shooting spree near the Freeport gold and copper mine in which two US teachers and their Indonesian colleague were killed.

The men, who could face the death penalty, have been boycotting their trial to protest it being held in Jakarta rather than in Papua.

Authorities say the trial was moved to Jakarta for security reasons.

Papua-based rights groups have alleged that the military ordered the attack to ensure that Freeport continued making large cash payments to it for security in and around the mine.

The military has denied any involvement in the killings.