Mental hospital turns patients away

BANYUMAS, Central Java: The management of the mental hospital here has rejected the request of the police to admit dozens of people with mental disorders. On Thursday the hospital director Sutoto said it was impossible to fund the care of so many people.

"Our capacity is only 50 people," Sutoto said. Banyumas Police Chief Lt. Col. Agus Yudharto had intended to place some 50 people found to have mental disorders at the hospital to prevent them becoming targets of people who fear so-called "ninja" killers.

The term refers to suspected killers dressed in black and operating at night, who have murdered scores of religious teachers and people thought to be practicing black magic.

Police chief Agus said he would have to find a place outside Banyumas which would take in the people. Central Java police have recorded 27 deaths by mobs targeting "ninjas," but most victims turned out to be those with a mental disorder. (45)