Regent suspended pending probe<\/p>\n
SURABAYA, East Java: To allow for a police probe into mass
\nmurder in his regency, Banyuwangi Regent T. Purnomo Sidik was
\n\"temporarily discharged\" on Monday, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
The decision followed months of demands from local leaders,
\npoliticians and activists to dismiss the regent, who ordered the
\ncompiling of a list of black magic practitioners, who were
\nsubsequently murdered. The regent claimed the list was aimed to
\nprotect them.<\/p>\n
Over 200 suspected black magic practitioners and religious
\nleaders were killed, followed by murders of alleged killers in
\nEast Java and other provinces which lasted until last month.<\/p>\n
Governor Imam Utomo said the letter discharging the official,
\na retired Army colonel, was signed on Monday by Minister of Home
\nAffairs Syarwan Hamid in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
\"I just received the copy through my fax machine,\" he was
\nquoted as saying here on Monday evening.<\/p>\n
Purnomo refused to comment.<\/p>\n
Imam confirmed that the dismissal was related to the ongoing
\ninvestigation into the mysterious killings.<\/p>\n
The letter also appointed deputy governor Patarai Hasan as
\nacting regent.<\/p>\n
The \"temporary\" discharge could last for one to two months or
\neven one year, Imam said. (aan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/regent-suspended-pending-probe-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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