Human rights body's investigation to be completed soon

BOGOR, West Java (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights' fact finding team pledged yesterday to complete its investigation into the death of robbery suspect Tjetje Tadjudin while in Bogor police custody, before Nov. 5.

The team's spokesman Bambang W. Soeharto said the investigation's results would be made public soon after the investigation was finished.

Bambang made the statements after the team met the deputy chief of Bogor Regency Police, Lt. Col. Bambang Hendarso and Lt. Col. Ruslan Riza, the superior of the main suspect First Lt. DT.

"We have not yet come to any conclusion. We have just checked and cross-checked the reports on the death of Tjetje. We must be extra careful in handling such a case," Bambang said.

The investigation came after complaints from the wives of suspects Tjetje and Norman, about the improper treatment by police officers who killed Tjetje. The women went to the Commission on Monday.

Tjetje and Norman, who were initially interrogated as witnesses, were detained for their alleged roles in an armed robbery which killed their friend, Zaenuddin Lesmana. Bogor police believed the two were involved in a Rp 350 million robbery on the Jagorawi turnpike on Oct. 11.

Tjetje and Norman were in Zaenuddin's car when the robbery took place.

Ten days after they were in police custody, police announced Tjetje had died of "respiratory problems." However, a Bogor PMI hospital autopsy said Tjetje's body was beaten black and blue.

West Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Nana Permana then announced the head of Bogor police detectives, First Lt. DT was the main suspect in Tjetje's death.

The team consisting of Bambang, Djoko Soegianto and Clementino dos Reis Amaral, toured the police cells and talked with Norman Lubis.

They team also visited the Bogor military police office.

In a good shape

"Norman is in a good shape. He gets proper treatment. He has been visited by relatives four times and is accompanied by a lawyer during questioning. Everything is in order," Bambang said.

Bambang reiterated that his statements were based on his interview with Norman during the visit. "Norman told me the doctor was sent to him once when he felt ill. So there is no violations of his rights as a suspect," he said.

After meeting with Bogor police and military police officials, the team went to Bandung to meet the West Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Nana Permana.

After more than two hours with Bandung police officials, Bambang said it hailed the arrest of DT, "but investigation into the robbery itself was also very important. We asked the police to probe the robbery seriously. We will find out if Tjetje and Norman are guilty of the robbery only after police unravel the robbery."

Bambang would not reveal all of his conversation with DT, but he said DT admitted to being responsible for Tjetje's death.

Bambang said the team found that, technically, DT had done a good job. "Making witnesses suspects needs special skill". He said the torture took place because the interrogator lost his temper. (17/21/sur)