Councillor beaten up in bar

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Provincial legislative council member Fauzi Makki was involved in a fistfight in a bar over the weekend.

A witness said the 46-year-old councillor, who has been removed from the Crescent Star Party, was drunk when six unidentified people beat him up just before midnight. He sustained bruises to his forehead, cheek, neck and ears.

The witness said the fight broke out after Fauzi taunted other patrons.

Fauzi reported the attack to the police.

He denied reports that he was drunk, saying he had just finished singing and was about to leave when a group of men beat him up.

A group of journalists and non-governmental organization activists protested against Fauzi early last month for threatening a reporter.

A few months ago Fauzi was arrested during a drug crackdown in nightspots, but was released.

The latest incident involving Fauzi has prompted the local Parliament Watch to renew its demand for a disciplinary committee to review Fauzi's eligibility as a legislative member. -- JP