The trial of seven Papuans charged with the killing of two American nationals and one Indonesian is likely to continue without the defendants and their lawyers, after the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday ruled against defendants' arguments that the case should be tried in Papua.

"The change in the location of the trial (from Timika, Papua, to Jakarta) is valid and therefore the Central Jakarta District Court is authorized to try the case," presiding judge Andriani Nurdin said.

The seven Papuans continued to protest against being tried here. They boycotted the trial session by coming to the courtroom but refusing the judges' request that they sit in the defendants' seats. Failing to get them into their proper seats, prosecutors asked the police to take the defendants back to their cells.

As the prisoners began leaving the courtroom, dozens of Papuan supporters (see picture) cried, "long live the Papuans!". "We're not the perpetrators! We only have crossbows. We don't have guns!" a protester cried.

The men are accused of killing the three Freeport mining company employees near the company's controversial gold and copper mine in 2002. The trial was adjourned until Sept. 4. (JP/Ary Hermawan)