People reluctant to testify to police

People reluctant to testify to police

SEKAYU, South Sumatra: The great majority of the people in the regency of Musi Banyuasin had been reluctant to testify to police investigators due to thug intimidation, an officer said.

The people, the officer added, preferred the light fines from the police for rejecting to testify, rather than risk their lives by telling the truth, after regular death threats from criminals.

Sekayu Police precinct chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Andi Taqdir Rahmantiro acknowledged that the tendency had put the police in a difficult situation because police required their testimony and evidence to legally process crimes in order to get a conviction.

Referring to this fact, Taqdir suggested that the lawmakers quickly implement a witness protection law to ensure the safety of witnesses. -- Antara