Trial begins for 4 Indonesian service members charged over acid attack on activist
A military court in Jakarta has begun the trial of four Indonesian service members accused of carrying out an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus in March 2026. Prosecutors allege the attack was intended to punish Yunus for criticizing the military, resulting in severe injuries including the loss of sight in one eye. The case has sparked criticism from human rights groups, who question the military's handling of the investigation and the decision to hold the trial in a military rather than civilian court.
- ▪The defendants are three navy marines and one air force officer, all assigned to military intelligence, facing charges of premeditated assault with a maximum sentence of 12 years.
- ▪Andrie Yunus, a 27-year-old human rights lawyer with KontraS, suffered chemical burns over 20% of his body and permanent damage to his right eye in the March 12 attack.
- ▪Prosecutors claim the motive was personal, alleging the attackers sought to retaliate against Yunus for making disparaging remarks about the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
- ▪Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International Indonesia, argue the use of military assets suggests the attack was not purely personal and question the lack of transparency in the investigation.
- ▪The trial was adjourned until May 6 for witness testimony, and Yunus did not attend due to ongoing medical recovery from multiple surgeries.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onTrial begins for 4 Indonesian service members charged over acid attack on activistAn Indonesian military court has opened the trial of four service members accused of carrying out an acid attack on a prominent human rights activistByANDI JATMIKO Associated Press and NINIEK KARMINI Associated PressApril 29, 2026, 3:29 AM1:52A military police person, far left, escorts Indonesian military personnel, from left, Sami Lakka, Nandala Dwi Prasetya, Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono, and Edi Sudarko, accused of an acid attack on human right activist Andrie Yunus, during trial at a military court in Jakarta,…
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