Victor Mambor, Jayapura – Prosecutors have demanded 10 years in prison for Jakub Fabian Skrzypski, a Polish national who was arrested in Wamena in August last year, for his alleged role in treasonous activities.
"The prosecutors said they would demand the same sentence for Simon Magal, who was arrested in Timika on Sept. 1 last year. His charges are also treason-related," Latifah Anum Siregar, Skrzypski's and Simon's told The Jakarta Post.
Anum said the pair were charged under Article 106 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on treason and that prosecutors had cited several items of evidence, namely two handphones, one iPod, a passport and screenshots of conversations between Simon and Skrzypski, a backpack and a notebook.
She said the evidence was not sufficient to prove treason but rather attempted treason. Police accused the Pole of involvement in the handing over of hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
"During the hearing, we found no reason to acquit the defendants. Both have to take responsibility for their treasonous acts," said prosecutor Ricardo.
The defendants will read their defense on April 15.
Skrzypski was arrested at Habema Lake in Jayawijaya, according to the police. The police claim he was on his way to film a handover of hundreds of rounds of ammunition to a separatist group. Simon was accused of helping Skrzypski contact the armed group.
The United Kingdom-based organization TAPOL has demanded the immediate release of Simon and Skrzypski and a fair trial.