18 arrested over political riot

18 arrested over political riot

JAKARTA: Police said on Friday that they had arrested a total
of 18 people allegedly involved in a violent clash prior to last
month's regency election in Nias, North Sumatra.

The suspects were accused of instigating the Nov. 28 attack on
the Teluk Dalam district head's office, National Police spokesman
Insp. Gen. Aryanto Boedihardjo told the press here on Friday.

Around 500 people stoned the building and clashed with police
as they protested against the holding of the election two days
before the vote. At least five people were injured in the
incident.

The South Nias Police later arrested some of the protesters
for questioning.

"One of them, with the initials HM, is believed to have
instigated the riot, and we are questioning the suspects to
obtain more information on their motives," Aryanto said. --JP