Riot rocks Tegal

Riot rocks Tegal

TEGAL, Central Java (JP): At least 40 shops, a gas station and
numerous vehicles were burned when about 15,000 people were
involved in a riot with police and military personnel in the
Central Java town of Tegal yesterday.

The riot occurred when the demonstrators, who had assembled in
the mayoralty office compound to demand the sacking of Mayor
Zakir, were involved in a tussle with security personnel after
being expelled from the compound.

Tegal Military District commander Col. Amirul Lanaeni declined
to comment on the causes of the riot, while Tegal police chief
Lt. Col. Tedjo Sularso only said that prior to the outbreak
demonstrators were already throwing stones at security officers.

Sularso admitted that the demonstrators became angry when they
were refused access to meet the mayoralty council to deliver
their demand.

Sari Ali, an eyewitness, said that at least 80 were injured in
the riot, seven seriously. (45/rms)