Crowds force police to release detainees

Crowds force police to release detainees

PADANG: Two thousand Muaro Paneh dwellers attacked the
Solok regency police headquarters, demanding the release of nine
detainees on Monday.

The police had arrested them for gambling. The suspects, said
to be residents, were gambling while waiting for the predawn
breakfast on Sunday in Koto Kaciak village, Muaro Paneh, 60
kilometers from Padang.

Following the arrest, rumors spread that the suspects were
tortured, Lt. Col. Subagio, the chief of Solok regency police
said. This led to the attack on Monday night, involving residents
carrying machetes.

Under the pressure the detainees were finally released.
(28/01)