STPDN backs murder probe

BANDUNG, West Java: The Institute of State Administration's (STPDN) management said on Monday it backed the police in investigating the fatal torture of a freshman.

The institute's chairman, Marwoto Soewito, told journalists at the campus, located in Jatinangor, that the institute had been very helpful to the investigators.

"We have submitted the chronology of the death of Ery Rachman," Marwoto said, referring to the victim who died on Friday after alleged torture by his seniors a month before.

Police have arrested seven suspects, but thousands of STPDN students demanded their release on Saturday.

Marwoto said punishment for the alleged attackers would be decided in the institute's senate meeting in May.

"They could be dismissed or demoted, but everything depends on the charges," Marwoto explained. (25/sur)