LBH wants Udin's case solved

YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Yogyakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) urged Minister of Security and Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto to resolve once and for all just one of many mysterious cases here -- the murder of journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, better known as Udin.

Since Udin's death on Aug. 16 1996, no significant progress has been made. The death of the journalist of the Bernas daily is strongly believed to be linked to his reports on corruption involving high-ranking officials.

"The handling of Udin's case so far has only resulted in hope after hope with no sign of disclosure of the case," Budi Hartono of LBH Yogyakarta stated in his letter to the minister.

Udin died without gaining consciousness three days after being attacked by an unidentified person on Aug. 13.

Budi charged the police of "discrimination", questioning why the military police had failed to question Sgt. Edy Wuryanto.

In earlier trials the sergeant was said to be involved in framing Dwi Sumaji for the murder. Dwi was later acquitted due to lack of evidence in linking him to the murder. (swa/edt)