Regent suspended pending probe

Regent suspended pending probe

SURABAYA, East Java: To allow for a police probe into mass
murder in his regency, Banyuwangi Regent T. Purnomo Sidik was
"temporarily discharged" on Monday, Antara reported.

The decision followed months of demands from local leaders,
politicians and activists to dismiss the regent, who ordered the
compiling of a list of black magic practitioners, who were
subsequently murdered. The regent claimed the list was aimed to
protect them.

Over 200 suspected black magic practitioners and religious
leaders were killed, followed by murders of alleged killers in
East Java and other provinces which lasted until last month.

Governor Imam Utomo said the letter discharging the official,
a retired Army colonel, was signed on Monday by Minister of Home
Affairs Syarwan Hamid in Jakarta.

"I just received the copy through my fax machine," he was
quoted as saying here on Monday evening.

Purnomo refused to comment.

Imam confirmed that the dismissal was related to the ongoing
investigation into the mysterious killings.

The letter also appointed deputy governor Patarai Hasan as
acting regent.

The "temporary" discharge could last for one to two months or
even one year, Imam said. (aan)