German arrested for making rude gestures at minister

German arrested for making rude gestures at minister

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A German citizen was apprehended by police on Thursday after he
obstructed a convoy of cars carrying Coordinating Minister for
Security and Political Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his
entourage and made rude gestures on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central
Jakarta.

Robert Massmeyer, 70, a resident of Vila Duta, Bogor, was
driving his white Toyota Starlet when he was arrested by the
police in the parking lot of Hotel Indonesia.

The officers gave chase after he refused to pull over to make
way for Susilo's motorcade.

Police Brig. Nyoman S. said Massmeyer began to zigzag along
the street and obstructed the convoy when the police escort told
him to make way.

"He also gave 'the bird' to those in the convoy," he said.

When he was arrested, Massmeyer apparently tried to fend off
the policemen with his umbrella before fleeing, but fell and
suffered bruises to his hands and knees, as well as injuries to
his forehead.

Handcuffed, he was taken to Jakarta Police Headquarters for
questioning.

Massmeyer said he refused to pull over because he felt that he
had done no wrong while driving his car.

"If I made traffic violations, why didn't they simply note
down my license plate number and send me a warning letter?"

He looked stunned when he was told he was arrested for
insulting a state official.

He was then taken to the police's national security division
for further questioning.

Jakarta Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang
said they would properly process the case.

The police report says Massmeyer is being charged with
violating Article 216 of the Criminal Code on failing to follow
instructions from law enforcers, which carries a maximum sentence
of 18 weeks.