An Indonesian military court has started the trial of 18 police officers charged with attacking protesters in Medan, North Sumatra, and killing two students in 2000, The Jakarta Post reported Tuesday. 

The two victims were shot dead during the May 1, 2000 incident in which police attacked the HKBP Nomensen University.

Military prosecutor Lt. Col. Purnomo was quoted as saying that the defendants were charged with violating Article 170 (1) and (2) of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of nine years in prison.

The defendants are being tried before a military tribunal, even though the military and police were separated in 1999, said the newspaper report.

One of the military judges said the court has jurisdiction to try the case as the separation officially took effect in 2001.

During Monday's trial, only 16 of the 18 police officers showed up as the two others remained missing.

The first day of the trial heard testimony from several witnesses presented by military prosecutors.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2003)