Five cops admit to beating students

JAKARTA: Jakarta Police officers questioned 22 members of the force who were allegedly involved in beating protesting students last Thursday, but only five of them have admitted to using violence, said spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo on Tuesday.

The clash between police and demonstrators took place during the announcement of the Supreme Court verdict on Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung, who was acquitted of corruption charges. At least 73 students suffered injuries, one suffered a fractured skull.

"The probe is not over yet, we are still questioning witnesses, therefore the number of suspects may increase," Prasetyo said, adding that the police officers who caused severe injuries would be sent to court.

Earlier, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara regretted the incident while saying that the violence took place because his men were angered by a bottle hurled at them by the students. -- JP