Anti-terror squad dissolution sought

Anti-terror squad dissolution sought

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) demanded on
Monday the National Police dissolve their special antiterror
squad, accusing it of arbitrarily arresting Muslim activists for
their alleged involvement in the Jamaah Islamiyah terror group.

MMI chairman Fauzan Al-Anshari said the squad had so far
arrested 140 Muslims activists without following proper
procedures after the 2002 Bali bombings. He said many were
missing.

"We demand the police chief disband the squad because it is
useless and only targeting Muslim activists. We find that many
have had nothing to do with terrorist activities.

"Besides, they were arrested without following proper legal
procedures. Some were even tortured during interrogation," said
Fauzan.

The Muslim Lawyers Team met with members of the National
Commission on Human Rights last week to demand an inquiry into
the alleged torture of Muslim cleric Syaifuddin, who is accused
of hiding key suspects in the JW Marriott Hotel bombing last
year. -- JP