Men quizzed in incitement probe

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Police have been questioning several people on suspicion of inciting others to riot in protest at soaring prices, a report said Saturday.

Local military commander Col. H.M. Ali Fathan told Antara yesterday that the authorities believed that among those under questioning was the main instigator he identified as R.

The suspects were rounded up last Friday after an Idul Fitri mass prayer in a soccer field while they were distributing leaflets urging the congregation to riot.

The suspects claimed they got the leaflets from R, who was then apprehended, Ali said.

He added that the authorities also suspect a hotel owner he identified as IW of masterminding the instigation. (pan)