Call for fresh probe into May 23 riot<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation called
\nyesterday for another independent investigation into the May 23
\nriot in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, which claimed 123 lives.<\/p>\n
The foundation had just completed a week-long investigation
\ninto the riot.<\/p>\n
The investigating team concluded that the problems in the town
\nwere \"not over yet\", especially regarding human rights
\nprotection.<\/p>\n
\"(What's needed is) another investigation by an independent
\nteam which will not dismiss more forensic examinations of all the
\nvictims' bodies and witnesses' accounts,\" the foundation said in
\na statement.<\/p>\n
The foundation said more research was needed to get a better
\nidea of what happened in the riot.<\/p>\n
\"We urge the government to restore the public's sense of
\nsecurity by revoking its previous judgmental statement which
\nbranded those who had died as rioters and looters,\" said the
\nstatement signed by foundation chairman Bambang Widjojanto and
\nsecretary Munir.<\/p>\n
The Banjarmasin riot erupted on the last day of the 27-day
\nelection campaign, when Golkar supporters clashed with United
\nDevelopment Party (PPP) supporters. It was Golkar's turn to
\ncampaign in the town on May 23.<\/p>\n
Scores of buildings and vehicles were torched before security
\nforces arrived to quell the unrest.<\/p>\n
All 123 victims were found burned beyond recognition in the
\nMitra Plaza shopping mall.<\/p>\n
The foundation said the government should not make statements
\nwhich divided the public or created suspicion and fear.<\/p>\n
The foundation also called on the government to restore the
\ndignity of those whose rights had been abused during its handling
\nof the riot.<\/p>\n
\"Their sense of security must be restored before they will
\nhave the courage to reveal objectively what they had witnessed in
\nthe riot,\" the foundation said.<\/p>\n
The foundation said it would seek every opportunity to
\ncooperate with professional organizations and local non-
\ngovernmental organizations to help the families of riot victims.<\/p>\n
Reports said Wednesday that 64 people would be tried in
\nconnection with the riot.<\/p>\n
Kompas daily said the 64 would be charged with crimes ranging
\nfrom carrying illegal weapons to looting.<\/p>\n
Lt. Col. Kusbini Imbar told the daily that 55 others in
\ndetention were still being investigated.<\/p>\n
South Kalimantan acting chief prosecutor Muhammad Taufik said
\nthe trials would begin on July 1. (aan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/call-for-fresh-probe-into-may-23-riot-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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