3 Dec 2010

Australia not satisfied with military investigation into torture

2:03 pm on 3 December 2010

The Australian Government has told Jakarta that it's not satisfied with a military investigation into a video showing Indonesian troops torturing two men in the province of Papua.

The investigation found no one could be charged, but Australia still wants a full and transparent inquiry.

During a visit to Jakarta last month, Prime Minister Julia Gillard was told by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that there would be a full investigation into the torture.

But the ABC reports the military has since prosecuted a group of soldiers over a separate incident of abuse and the torture has gone unpunished.

While the military says the torture case is now closed, Australia's ambassador has told Indonesia that Australia still expects to see a full and transparent investigation.

A spokesperson for Ms Gillard says it must be transparent and that Australia will continue to make its expectations clear.

A spokesman for Indonesia's president says he is reviewing the case, but Australian pressure could anger military hardliners who will see it as unwarranted outside interference.