Drug protesters stage rally

Drug protesters stage rally

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of protesters grouped under
various organizations thronged the city's main thoroughfares on
Friday, voicing concerns over rampant drug abuse, gambling and
prostitution during the Ramadhan fasting month.

Among the groups were the Indonesian Muslim Student
Association (HMI), the Indonesian Islamic Student Action Front
(KAMMI) and the Muslim Student Movement (Germais).

They marched to Merdeka Square and staged a public speech
there, before leaving for a rally across town on motorcycles and
cars. The procession caused heavy traffic congestion for several
hours.

The demonstrators stopped at Medan Grand Mosque to perform
Friday prayers. They dispersed peacefully afterward. (39/edt)