Sorcerer's wife sues prosecution

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Tumini, the first wife of a sorcerer suspected of a series of murders, sued Tuesday the Lubuk Pakam District prosecutor's office for her alleged illegal detention.

Antara said Tumini filed the lawsuit yesterday and demanded Rp 550,000 (US$157) in compensation.

Tumini's lawyer, Maya Manurung of Medan Legal Aid, said the 39-year-old woman was detained and accused of assisting the sorcerer, A.S. alias Nasib Kelewang alias Datuk, in killing 42 women.

Manurung said the prosecutor's office did not have the right to detain suspects.

The serial killings, allegedly committed over 10 years in the Sei Semayang village, Deli Serdang regency, were revealed only several months ago. (swe)