|
From INFOPAPUA.ORG Military Operations At a court session in the trial of Victor F. Yeimo, co-ordinator of the demonstration outside Ekspo Waena, a number of witnesses were called. While two police witnesses failed to appear, two other police witnesses testified about the demonstration.
Gustaf Kawer SH, member of the defendant's defence team, rejected the charge of makar (rebellion). 'Whenever demos are held, people always make speeches, and demonstrators always yell slogans, which is all part of the freedom of expression.' He said that it was strange for the defendants to be indicted under Article 106 of the Criminal Code as long as they did not disturb the public order. 'Were they to have carried weapons and caused disturbances for other people, then Article 106 would be appropriate,' he said. Commenting on the testimony of the witnesses, he said that they had no idea about what the demonstrators wanted. They were simply carrying out the orders of the chief of police. The public gallery in the court was not as full as in previous hearings as many of the defendant's supporters were taking part in demonstrations. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday 25 March when more witnesses from the police will be called. © Copyright by w@tchPAPUA |
