Military Officers Arrested in Acid Attack on Activist

0:00This is Cory with the story with Adelaide News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Four members of the Indonesian Armed Forces have been arrested in connection with an acid attack on human rights activist, Andrii Yunus, in Jakarta last week. Yunus, the deputy coordinator of the group Contra S, suffered serious burns to his face and body after two men on a motorcycle through acid at him. The suspects are officers from a military intelligence unit, including a captain, a first lieutenant, and a second sergeant. Meanwhile, military police have taken the four in a custody for a thorough investigation. Officials are looking into possible motives, including whether superiors ordered the attack. Yunus had just finished recording a podcast on the growing role of the military in government when it happened. Yunus has been outspoken against the military's expanding influence under President Prabowo Subeyanto. Civil society groups worry. This echoes the authoritarian era under Suharto when the military dominated politics.

1:01Protests broke out last year over a bill giving troops more government positions. He's now recovering in hospital with burns covering more than 20% of his body. Bystanders helped him after CCTV captured the painful scene. Contra S called it an effort to silence critics and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern, demanding accountability. According to officials, the officers could face a military trial for serious assault, though they haven't been named suspects yet. Police say more people might be involved and activist groups are pushing for an independent fact-finding team to probe the incident. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow, built for comfort and calm, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com.