Front Hizbullah lay siege to police HQs

Front Hizbullah lay siege to police HQs

JAKARTA (JP): Around 500 Front Hizbullah members on Sunday
marched on the Presidential Palace and later the National Police
headquarters, demanding justice for the group's leader, Cecep
Bustomi, who was shot dead last month in Serang, West Java.

The Muslim organization called on the police to accelerate
their investigation into the still-unsolved killing.

The protesters included relatives of Cecep.

"We want to know how willing the police are to investigate
this case," said the slain man's brother, Iman Syaifudin Mutho.

Iman said the police seemed to be missing key facts and were
trying to slow down the investigation. Cecep was killed on July
24.

"If the police can't solve (the case) then it is better if
Rusdihardjo steps down from his position," said Iman, referring
to National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo.

Most of the participants in the noisy but peaceful protest
came from Tangerang and Bekasi on the outskirts of Jakarta.

Iman also urged Rusdihardjo to clarify his statement that his
brother Cecep was a gang leader.

"Such a remark from the number one man in the police force is
not acceptable. He shouldn't trash our member's reputation," Iman
said.

Front Hizbullah is an Islamic organization that focuses on
preventing communities around Serang from breaking Islamic
syariah law.

The group often raids clubs that serve alcohol and are
frequented by prostitutes.

Iman said the night before Cecep was murdered the group
attacked a traditional jaipongan dangdut dance performance in
Petir, Serang. Members became involved in a dispute with a man
who tried to prevent the raid.

The man, an Army Special Force (Kopassus) officer, was found
dead at the scene.

Cecep was summoned for questioning at Serang's Kopassus
headquarters, he said.

On the way back home to Pandeglang, Cecep's vehicle was
sprayed with bullets by a group of four men on two motorcycles.

Cecep was killed immediately but his driver survived, Iman
said.

"The police have come to our houses but there have still been
no results," he said, adding that there were several witnesses
that could confirm the killing.

The protesters warned they would occupy police headquarters if
they were offered no clear explanation. (07)