Alor police release 127 protesters

Alor police release 127 protesters

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Alor regency police finally released on Friday 127 of 128 people who protested against newly elected Regent Ans Takalapeta and Deputy Regent Abraham Maukala.

"They were all, but one, permitted to go home on Friday evening," said chief of East Nusa Tenggara provincial police Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang on Saturday.

The one was named a suspect and was subject to further police questioning after he admitted during a preliminary investigation that he hurled stones at the Alor regency council building, while he and the other 127 people were protesting the recent regency election on Thursday night.

The 128 protesters alleged that the election was tainted by bribery.

Aritonang said that people had the right to protest, but they had to respect the law and avoid damaging property. -- Antara