Permit for Tommy's questioning wanted

JAKARTA: The police are still awaiting leave from the Central Jakarta District Court to question Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra over his statements claiming that the police helped him during his time on the run.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said on Friday that the police expected to secure the court's permission on Monday.

Asked when Tommy would be questioned, Anton said that the police needed to discuss the timing with Tommy.

"We need further discussions with Tommy before carrying out the questioning," Anton said.

A city police team of investigators came to the Cipinang penitentiary, where Tommy is being held, on Thursday to interview him, but the warden refused to admit them due to the lack of permission from the court.

Tommy is to be questioned following his statements in court indicating that the security forces had known of his whereabouts when he was on the run.

Tommy is currently on trial on charges of conspiracy to murder Supreme Court Justice Syafiuddin M. Kartasasmita, illegal possession of firearms and flight from justice.

Prosecutors are scheduled to present their sentence request next Wednesday.--JP