Police told to free students

Police told to free students

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A group of students claiming to
represent 50 organizations rallied at the local police
headquarters on Monday to demand the release of fellow students
arrested following a riot here last Tuesday.

It was the second rally after hundreds of student activists
marched through the streets to air their demand on Friday.

The group spokesman, Iswary al Farisy, said the protesters
demanded the release of 26 students after hearing reports that
they were beaten during questioning.

Chief of detectives Capt. Mahendra Jaya insisted that the
students would remain in police custody until the legal process
was completed. He added that home arrest could be imposed on
students released on the recognizance of their universities.

The students were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal
identity checks on streets to identify non-Muslims. The operation
was reportedly conducted to seek revenge for Muslims in Maluku
who have been killed in communal clashes. Several motorbikes and
cars were set on fire during the identity check. (27)