Office assistant murdered

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Amir, alias Lili, 22, who worked as an office assistant for the Independent Journalists Alliance (AJI), was stabbed to death on Wednesday by an unidentified man in the AJI office on Jl. Serigala.

Herman Hafsyah, an eyewitness, said he was in shock after witnessing the murder of Amir, who was hired by AJI six months ago.

"A man entered the office and stabbed Amir. He then dragged Amir to the fence in front of the building and left the victim there," Herman said.

Herman said he contacted a number of AJI members before rushing Amir to Labuwang Baji Hospital. Amir died shortly after arriving in the hospital.

"We deeply regret that the doctors were slow in giving care to Amir. They treated Amir only after the secretary-general of the Makassar branch of AJI, Jupriadi, called the chairman of the Makassar chapter of the Indonesian Medical Association, Idrus Paturusi," said Herman.

The police have questioned a number of people over the killing but the motive for the attack remains unknown. (27/sur)