Jakarta – Human rights activist, Usman Hamid, is adamant that Muchdi Purwopranjono, a former Intelligence Agency (BIN) general was involved in the murder of Munir Said Thalib, even though Muchdi is trying to sue him for defamation.

Usman, the coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), underwent a one-hour questioning session at the Jakarta Police headquarters on Tuesday for alleged defamation.

Muchdi has accused Usman of defamation, by publicly claiming that Muchdi orchestrated the murder of the noted human rights activist.

Munir, the founder of Kontras, was found dead aboard a Garuda Indonesia flight before it reached Amsterdam in September 2004.

Usman acknowledged he had publicly stated that Muchdi was involved in the murder of Munir. He said that his stance would never change and that he would never revoke the statement.

"Until this day and forever, I truly believe that Muchdi took part in the murder of Munir," he told The Jakarta Post after the questioning session.

Usman said the Kontras had obtained a mass of evidence about the involvement of Muchdi in the murder. When asked if the police would detain him for defamation, Usman said it would not influence his fight to reveal the truth behind Munir's assassination.

"Being charged with defamation is very small compared to my determination to reveal who is responsible for Munir's murder," he said.

The accusation was directed at Muchdi following the trial of Pollycarpus Budihari Priyanto, a former Garuda pilot who was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for his role in the murder. Pollycarpus is now serving his term at the Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta.

Muchdi was later detained by the police and faced trial, but the South Jakarta District Court released him from all charges last year. Prosecutors filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, but it was rejected last month.

The court also tried former Garuda secretary, Rohainil Aini, and former Garuda president director Indra Setiawan. Judges acquitted Rohaini, but sentenced Indra to 16 months in prison.

Usman said both the police and the judiciary system had failed to identify the mastermind of the murder after Muchdi was acquitted. "Pollycarpus was found guilty, but there is no way he killed Munir by himself. Someone must have ordered him," he said.

However, Usman said that he still saw a way to prove that Muchdi was guilty. "We urge prosecutors to file a review on the Supreme Court's ruling," he said.

Earlier this month, AGO spokesman Jasman Pandjaitan said the AGO would thoroughly evaluate the court's ruling on Muchdi. (bbs)