Human rights defense committee

BOGOR (JP): A group of nine activists declared yesterday the establishment of the Human Rights Defense Committee (Kopham) aimed at helping people who have been victimized during the current political violence, either by security officers or rioters.

"The establishment of Kopham is intended to help anybody who falls victims to the political violence and the help is given primarily on humanity, law and justice consideration," Gartono, one of the activists, said.

The nine activists sponsoring the establishment of Kopham consists of students, youth representatives and lawyers.

Gartono explained that in line with the establishment of Kopham a complaint post was set up on Jl. Durian Raya No. 23 in the Bantar Kemang housing complex in Bogor.

It will give legal assistance to relatives of the missing people and others detained because of their participation in rallies demanding reformation, he said.

"Our assistance is given to anybody regardless of their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation," he said. (24)