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)