Councillors' release demanded in protest

BANYUMAS, Central Java: Some 3,000 people staged a protest on Wednesday in Banyumas regency, demanding the release of four councillors and eight former councillors from police custody.

The protesters said the 12 people, who are facing corruption charges, are not guilty. "They have been detained for 70 days, and it is still uncertain when they will be prosecuted.

The police must lack evidence," said a protester, Komarudin. The 12 people are being detained for allegedly embezzling Banyumas budgetary funds for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.

Separately, Banyumas Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Erwin Triwanto said the police were building the case. -- JP