Abusive cops want release

Eight police officers in detention for allegedly beating demonstrating students outside the Supreme Court building on Feb. 12 have asked for a release, promising they would not hamper the investigation into the case.

The first period of 20 days detention for the officers will end on Tuesday if it is not extended another 20 days. The case continues to be investigated.

In a letter dated March 4, the detainees' lawyers argued a prolonged detention could harm their clients' mental health and future careers.

The lawyers said the alleged beatings were part of the officers' duty to secure the Supreme Court building while the verdict releasing Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung was read. There was no evidence the beatings resulted in severe injuries to the students, the lawyers said.

The university students' medical team said 73 students suffered from injuries, six of them having to spend more than one night in hospitals. One, Yudi Santosa, had to be hospitalized for about a week for a fractured skull.

The police had not yet responded to the detainees' request, lawyer Palmer Situmorang said on Monday. -- JP