Probe into inmate's death

SEMARANG: The Central Java office of the Ministry of Justice is investigating the death of Nusakambangan Prison inmate Antonius Kelana who was found hanging in his cell Saturday.

Antara quoted the justice office's head, Soeroso, as saying that the relatives of Antonius, who was convicted in a drug case, had been informed. The body was still on the prison island of Nusakambangan, Cilacap, yesterday.

"We've reported the case to minister Oetojo Oesman, and we don't yet know the cause of Antonius' death," Soeroso said, adding that an investigation had been launched to determine whether there had been any foul play on the part of prison officials.

Antonius was found hanging from a height of 2.25 meters by a noose made of his prison uniform.

Inmates said Antonius looked fine the day before his death and did not show any signs of anxiety. (swe)