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