Police sue Yogya LBH

YOGYAKARTA: The Yogyakarta Police have sued Yogyakarta's chapter of Legal Aid Institute (LBH) and one of its lawyers for allegedly defaming the police.

Reading the suit at a court hearing on Monday, prosecutor Basuki D.S. said that LBH Yogyakarta and head of its Operational Division A. Budi Hartono had violated the criminal code when it issued a press release saying that the police had became more brutal.

Basuki also said that the press release, that detailed clashes between the police and supporters of the United Development Party (PPP), contained some material that was not based on fact.

The Yogyakarta Police, represented by 13 lawyers, demanded the court require the defendant pay a compensation of Rp 100,000 and make a public apology, that should be published in local newspapers.

Meanwhile, the defendants, represented by 16 lawyers including Director of Indonesian Court Monitoring (ICM) Kamal Firdaus and noted local lawyer S.F. Marbun, said that they were ready for the case. (23)