Indonesia's former Kopassus head charged over activist death

Updated June 20, 2008 22:08:52

The former intelligence official, Muchdi Purwopranjono, pictured here in 1998, handed himself in to police on Thursday. [Reuters]

Human rights groups in Indonesia say a high profile arrest in the murder investigation of a prominent activist should not be the end of the case.

A former deputy head of Indonesia's intelligence agency, Muchdi Purwopranjono, is facing murder charges over the death of Munir Thalib four years ago.

The arrest has prompted calls to extend the investigation.

Munir Thalib died of arsenic poisoning during a Garuda flight to Amsterdam in 2004.

Evidence linking Purwopranjono to the man convicted of the murder has led to his arrest on suspicion of ordering the death.

Coordinator of the human rights organisation, Kontras, Usman Hamid says its an important precedent and could spell the end of immunity for powerful military figures.

He adds the implication of the intelligence agency means its former boss Hendropirono should be investigated.

Former chief of intelligence agency Henropriono has to be questioned, investigated after the detention of Muchdi Purwopranjono and the case of Munir demonstartes the need to have effective reform on intelligence sector.