Female activists protest probe

SEMARANG: Activists of 15 local non-governmental organizations demanded yesterday that police stop investigating Marsiyem, the widow of slain journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, who has had a nervous breakdown.

"We urge that investigators stop questioning Marsiyem. Or, if the investigation must continue, it should be done by female police officers," Wahyuni, one of the activists, said.

The activists said they were concerned for Sunarti, the wife of suspected killer Dwi Sumaji, who has also had a nervous breakdown because of the protracted investigation.

Police have said they will continue their investigation, and questioning of Marsiyem, the key witness in the murder case, despite her doctors' warning that her condition could deteriorate.

The activists said the police's stance was outrageous. "We are taking this protest (over police treatment of Marsiyem) to the National Commission on Human Rights," Wahyuni said. (har/swe)