Frenchman's death a mystery as embassy refuses autopsy

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)