Female activists protest probe

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)