Poisoned food contains cyanide

JAKARTA: National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Friday that the forensic test found traces of cyanide in the food distributed in the anti-Sutiyoso's demonstrations during Wednesday's gubernatorial election.

"We found some cyanide and we need to further examine the food containers. We expect people to provide some information regarding the case," Da'i said, adding that the police were still in the dark about who was behind the incident.

Fifteen people fell to the ground after they ate snacks given by an unknown man. They were taken to the Cipto Mangunkusumo public hospital but were later sent home after receiving medical treatment.

At least 25 other demonstrators were injured during clash with the security officers who hit them with rubber bullets and shots of tear gas and water cannons.

Da'i's statement was in contrast to the earlier statement from Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara, who said the poison was simply laxative pills.--JP