Policemen nabbed for beating reporter

Policemen nabbed for beating reporter

SIDOARJO, East Java: Seven police officers suspected of the
recent beating of a journalist from the Kompas daily in Sidoarjo,
East Java, are now in police custody for further investigation of
their alleged involvement.

Of the seven policemen, two are platoon commanders and three
brigadiers (a low rank in the Indonesian police), according to
Surabaya Police chief Sr. Comr. Djoko Trisno Santoso and Sidoarjo
Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Aris Nurhandayani.

But the two refused to reveal the identities of the officers
taken into custody.

The Kompas journalist, Wisnu Dewa Brata, was hit on the head
and his camera damaged when the film was removed by force as he
was reporting on a clash between police and protesting workers
from the PT Maspion factory in Gedangan, Sidoarjo. Five workers
from the consumer goods company were also injured in the melee.
--Antara