Release of alleged hit man demanded

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The wife of a suspect being held in connection with the murder of prosecutor Ferry Silalahi demanded on Sunday the police release her husband, threatening legal action if they did not comply.

Hamma Rajab, the wife of Emil said her husband had a watertight alibi on the night of the murder.

"I am sure my husband is innocent because he was watching TV when the shooting occured on May 26. I have demanded police chief Brig. Gen. Taufik Ridha release him," Hamma said after a meeting with Taufik.

She said she would file a lawsuit against the police if Emil, a tailor, was not freed immediately.

Taufik has refused to release Emil. He said while Emil had not carried out the murder, police had evidence he knew about the murder plans and had failed to inform them. Emil would be charged under new terrorism laws, he said. -- JP