Rights campaigner blasts arson

Rights campaigner blasts arson

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A human rights campaigner condemned
yesterday the burning of a house belonging to shaman Ahmad
Suraji, who is accused of murdering 42 women, Antara reported.

The news agency quoted Syafaruddin, a director of the
Foundation for the Protection of the Rights of Women and
Children, as saying here that the arson was illegal.

The shaman, also known as Datuk and Nasib Kelewang, had
allegedly killed the women to strengthen his magical power.

Several unidentified people set fire to the house at 3 a.m.
Saturday. Security officers in Cinta Damai village, Deli Serdang
regency, extinguished the blaze before it spread to other
properties.

"Who would not hate him? But we must all be patient and let
the authorities handle the case and punish him according to the
law," Syafaruddin said.

The house reportedly contained clothes and jewelry belonging
to the victims, who had sought help from the shaman. (swe)