Police deny starting riot

Police deny starting riot

SURABAYA: Police have denied starting Wednesday's clash
between themselves and members of the National Awakening Party's
(PKB) civilian guard over a disputed building.

East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar rejected on
Friday the charge that his men had initiated the melee, in which
19 people, including five police officers, were wounded.

"The officers had to defend themselves as they were pelted
with rocks," he said, adding that the officers were escorting
court officials to vacate the disputed Pra Yuwana orphanage
building on Jl. Pasar Kembang on Wednesday.

The local district court ruled in favor of private firm PT
Bina Mobina Raya and against the foundation that manages the
orphanage.

PKB civilian guards were deployed to protect the building from
execution.

Chairman of the PKB East Java chapter Choirul Anam admitted to
fielding his personnel and criticized the police officers for
being rude. "We were trying to defend the weak. This is part of
the party's policies." (nur/sur)