Pasuruan riot probe to finish

PADANG, West Sumatra: The National Police will soon announce the results of a joint investigation into the recent rioting in Pasuruan, East Java.

National Police inspector general Comr. Gen. Ahwil Luthan said here on Thursday that the probe was focused on whether the police move to quell the protesters exceeded their authority and violated human rights.

Ahwil was here to install Brig. Gen. Adang Firman as the new West Sumatra Police chief, replacing Brig. Gen. Didy Kusumayadi.

The joint team comprising National Police officers and members of the National Committee on Human Rights is seeking information about the riot that broke out in Pasuruan after the House of Representatives issued its second memorandum of censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid.

A man was killed when security forces opened fire to disperse the protesters. The President was angry with the stern measure, saying it was the New Order way of dealing with a peaceful rally. (28)