Seven nabbed over public disorder

DENPASAR, Bali: Police arrested seven men on Sunday who were suspected of mobilizing dozens of youth blocking the main road in Denpasar.

Several sharp weapons also were seized, a police officer said.

The chief of the Badung riot police, Sr. Insp. Wayan Surpha, said the seven would be charged with illegal possession of sharp weapons, disturbing public order and vandalizing public and private property.

"The police will not tolerate mob violence in the area," he said.

Five of the men are being detained at Badung Police Headquarters, while the other two are being held at the Denpasar Police station.

During the incident, dozens of local youth from the Bedahulu area, reportedly drunk and armed with sharp weapons, blocked Jl. Gatot Subroto, forcing motorists to turn back. They also vandalized several passing cars and motorbikes.

Police were forced to use force and to fire several warning shots to disperse the drunken mob.

Police said the reason behind the blockade was unclear, but hinted the incident may have something to do with a recent dispute between youths in Bedahulu and Kampung Jawa, which resulted in an injury to a Bedahulu resident.

"They wanted revenge," Wayan said. (zen/lup)