Indonesian military court cuts soldiers' sentences, gives no reason for reversed dismissals

Indonesian activists and human rights groups have condemned a military appeals court for reducing the sentences of two soldiers convicted in the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus and overturning their dismissals from military service. Second Sgt. Edi Sudarko’s sentence was reduced from three years to two and a half years, while First Lt. Budhi Hariyanto Widhi Cahyono’s term fell from two and a half years to two years; the court gave no explanation for reversing the dismissals. Yunus, who opposed expanding military involvement in civilian affairs, suffered severe burns and permanent damage to his right eye in the premeditated attack. Advocacy groups said the ruling denied justice, reinforced military impunity and highlighted concerns about transferring the case from the civilian system to military courts.