Churches searched ahead of Xmas

Churches searched ahead of Xmas

SURAKARTA, Central Java: Security is being beefed up around churches in Surakarta ahead of Christmas, with police making full searches of their compounds in a bid to avoid the attacks of previous years.

Surakarta Police security unit head Adj. Comr. Made Raya said 84 churches in the city were planning to host masses on Christmas. Police would conduct full searches in and around churches for explosive devices and other suspicious equipment until Friday, Made said.

Officers would then be stationed at each church to ensure security during Christmas, he said. -- Antara