Sunday, November 1, 2009

From the Past - Mark Thomas Comedy Product on weapons sales to Indonesia

Mark Thomas of the sets up his own phony PR company at an Arms Fair in Greece. There he met with then Indonesia's Maj. Gen. Widjojo and later with Col. Hakim. Widjojo went on to be a member of the bi-lateral Commission for Truth and Friendship.  The segments were originally broadcast January 13 and 20, 1999.

From Sunday Telegraph (London),   January 17, 1999, Sunday, "Indonesians admit torture in TV 'sting'"
THE Indonesian army has admitted for the first time that it tortures people "sometimes", during an investigative "sting" by a television stand-up comedian.

Col Halim Nawi, the Indonesian defence attache to London, made the admission while attempting to hire the comedian-turned-investigative journalist, Mark Thomas, believing him to be a public relations consultant who could "turn around" the Indonesian army's "negative" image....

Another senior officer, Major Gen Widjojo, is filmed at an arms fair telling Mr Thomas that "we did some tortures to protect the security of society. It is not widespread, but we do have to do it sometimes....