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)