Frenchman's death a mystery as embassy refuses autopsy

JAKARTA (JP): The cause of the death of a French man, who reportedly tested HIV positive, remains a mystery to Jakarta police as the French embassy refuses an autopsy.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said over the weekend that the embassy had sent an official letter asking the police not to perform an autopsy.

"We received the letter on Wednesday. The police will have to find another way to determine the cause of the death," Abubakar said.

None of the French embassy staff, including Ambassador Thierry Martin de Beauce, were available for comment.

"I'm afraid that I cannot give you the ambassador's residence telephone number," one of the embassy staff, who refused to state his name, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Thiery Neregilles, nicknamed Terry, 35, an eye glass consultant, was found foaming at the mouth in his room at the Pondok Wisata Jaya hostel on Jl. Kebon Sirih on May 31.

The hostel is located near Jl. Jaksa, which is known among backpack tourists for its inexpensive accommodations.

After two days of unconsciousness, Neregilles died last Sunday at the state-owned Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, doctors said.

A report by the doctors stated that Neregilles' blood had tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The room and other items used in the treatment of the deceased were sterilized.

It is uncertain when Neregilles arrived in Jakarta and started to stay at the hostel. The hostel management could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Abubakar said neither the police, nor the medical personnel treating the deceased, found any bruises, or other signs of assault, on his body.

Reports said that Neregilles' death might have been caused by an overdose of harmful drugs, such as Ecstasy pills. (bsr)