Commander in Aceh denies torture claims

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MARTIAL LAW: Major General Bambang Darmono said that beating suspected insurgents was OK, but that gross torture was perhaps going too far

AP , BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA
Saturday, Nov 22, 2003,Page 5

Indonesia's military commander in Aceh Province yesterday denied persistent allegations that his troops were torturing civilians, but said that beating suspected rebels was acceptable so long as they were not seriously hurt.

In an interview, Major General Bambang Darmono also claimed that the 35,000 soldiers deployed in the oil- and gas-rich province were winning one of Asia's longest running and bloodiest wars.

"We are winning the hearts and minds of the Acehnese," said Darmono, who on Saturday is scheduled to be replaced as military commander in the region as part of a regular rotation. "They won't help the rebels now."

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2003/11/22/2003076824

[bemildred]

1. The floggings will continue until morale improves. nt