AGAM arrests kidnappers of Exxon Mobil workers
Wednesday, May 31 2000 - 02:30 AM WIB
The special unit of the Free Aceh Movement (AGAM) has arrested two of the alleged kidnappers of Exxon Mobil workers near the company's gas operation in North Aceh on Monday, Serambi Aceh daily reported on Wednesday.
The pro-independence movement's spokesman Ismail Sahputra said on Tuesday that the two alleged kidnappers were being interrogated over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Exxon Mobil workers.
"If they are found guilty, they will be tried under the movement's legal principles. But they will be allowed to defend themselves," he said, adding that the movement, which fought for independence from Indonesia, was very concerned over the incident.
He said that the movement had contacted the American embassy in Jakarta through third parties with international reputations to return keys taken by the kidnappers from the workers.
Eight of Exxon workers were held hostage at the weekend for six to seven hours by armed gunmen who had demanded a ransom of Rp 4 billion (about US$460 million). The workers were released but no ransom payment was made. (*)