Beaten pedestrian seeks justice

Beaten pedestrian seeks justice

JAKARTA (JP): A pedestrian was beaten black and blue by a police officer last Friday, says the Legal Aid Institute (LBH).

Rudolf Hemor was one of 30 pedestrians crossing the street together in front of the Hyatt Hotel to the corner of the Wisma Nusantara building on Jl. M.H. Thamrin in Central Jakarta when he was abruptly pulled aside by a police officer and shoved in front of Cap. Suwito Narto who then hit Rudolf on the face, Antara reported.

The crowd of pedestrians had waited in vain for 10 minutes for the light to change to green before they decided to beat the traffic light by crossing the street.

Bewildered by the rough police treatment, Rudolf questioned his misdemeanor. Instead of receiving clarification, Rudolf was kicked from behind and chased away, LBH said.

Rudolf later reported the case to the Jaya Guntur city military garrison which suggested that Rudolf seek medical attention at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. He received eight stitches around his mouth in the hospital.

"This act indicates a tendency for crime and brutality among some police officers," said Rita Serena Kalibonso and Saor Charles of LBH.

City police spokesman, Iman Haryatna, pledged to investigate the case.

"If the brutality charge turns out to be true, we'll take action against the perpetrator," Iman said. (14)