Makassar veterans protest eviction

Makassar veterans protest eviction

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Dozens of retired servicemen evicted
from their housing complex in Tello Baru, Makassar, staged a
demonstration at the South Sulawesi Legislative Council on
Monday.

The veterans representing 52 families sought the attention and
protection of the council after having been evicted by the
Makassar city administration on May 19, 2003.

The eviction has forced the former independence fighters to
stay in makeshift tents and under old cars on the banks of the
Pampang River.

A non-governmental organization, Indonesian Children's Voice
(Suara Anak Nusantara), condemned the repression and intimidation
of the veterans, which it blamed on police officers and hoodlums.

The protesters, who had previously marched to the city council
and the office of South Sulawesi Governor Amin Syam, vowed not to
leave the provincial legislative building until their demand was
fulfilled. --Antara