Regent denies killing journo

YOGYAKARTA: Sri Roso Sudarmo, who was temporarily removed as Bantul regent Wednesday, vehemently denied yesterday that he was involved in the highly publicized 1996 murder of Bernas daily's journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, alias Udin.

"How am I supposed defend myself anymore? Of course I deny it (the allegation)," Sri Roso told reporters after surrendering his post to Governor Paku Alam III.

He urged people to presume he was innocent unless a legal process could prove otherwise.

The slain journalist was known to be investigating corruption in the Bantul area when he was murdered.

"So, don't accuse me carelessly. This is not a defense, but please give me a chance to prove my innocence," he said.

Sri Roso was formally discharged due to public pressure on the government to investigate him after evidence was uncovered that he offered a Rp 1 billion "donation" to a Soeharto-owned fund in exchange for a second term. (23/44)