President's picture burning probed

President's picture burning probed

KENDARI, Northeast Sulawesi: Police are investigating the
burning of pictures portraying President Abdurrahman Wahid, which
allegedly involved a local councillor during a recent rally held
inside the provincial council building.

Northeast Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Djumain Arief said
President Abdurrahman is the legitimate head of state so any
deliberate disfigurement of his image is deemed an assault and
should therefore be probed, Antara reported.

"It is not necessary for the police to wait for the report,
the police will respond to the case by conducting an
investigation," Djumain said.

Police have so far questioned four witnesses. A potential
witness, a local journalist, has refused to be questioned.

Local legislator Andrey Jufri allegedly burned the picture of
President Abdurrahman inside the council building following
pressure from student protesters. Andrey has reported the
incident to the police in a written statement.

Djumain said he had received the statement but still planned
to question Andrey. The police are still waiting for permission
from the Minister of Home Affairs to summon Andrey.

The students staged the rally on May 14 to protest President
Abdurrahman's visit to the province. (emf)