Over 100 C. Java criminals shot

Over 100 C. Java criminals shot

SEMARANG: Chief of Central Java police Maj. Gen. Harimas A.S. said police were forced to shoot 128 criminals in the past year.

"Not one of them died on the spot, but some died in hospital, and most were shot in the leg," Harimas was quoted by Antara as saying on Sunday.

Harimas said 22 criminals were shot in Semarang, 21 in Yogyakarta and the rest in Surakarta, Banyumas, Pati and Pekalongan.

"Everything was done according to procedure," Harimas insisted. "The criminals were shot when they either tried to resist arrest or escape."

Harimas also disclosed that the number of Central Java police officers found guilty of committing offenses increased this year. The officers have been punished, he said, without offering any details.

A total of 10,712 "security disturbances" occurred this year in Central Java, down from the 12,199 disturbances in 1994, he said. (swe)