Indonesian activist 'was poisoned at Changi'

The Straits Times, April 13, 2007


JAKARTA - A LEADING Indonesian human rights activist who was murdered while travelling to the Netherlands was poisoned during transit in Singapore, police said yesterday.

Mr Munir Said Thalib, 38, consumed arsenic at Changi Airport before dying on his flight in September 2004, Chief Detective Bambang Hendarso Danuri said, citing new information.

He said a witness had seen Mr Munir, 38, with another person at the airport.

Mr Munir made powerful enemies during President Suharto's rule. He died on the flight operated by Indonesia's flag-carrier Garuda.

An off-duty Garuda pilot on the plane, allegedly with links to Indonesia's intelligence agency, was jailed for poisoning his drink. His conviction was later overturned.

Mr Danuri said police would submit the evidence to prosecutors today, and two Garuda executives would likely be charged.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE