Student arrested for bomb threats

Student arrested for bomb threats

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A student has been arrested in
connection with a number of bomb threats received in prominent
public buildings here in recent weeks, police said on Wednesday.

The student, 24-year-old Zulhamdi alias Dedi, is a student at
a private Jakarta-based college and a former member of City Forum
(Forum Kota) student activists' group, police said.

Police chief Brig. Gen. Mudji Santoso said Zulhamdi was
charged after police listened to recordings of telephoned bomb
threats and decided that it was the suspect's voice.

He said Zulhamdi confessed to the crimes without coercion.

In recent weeks, Bomb threats have been reported at the Al
Markaz Al Islami Mosque, Hasanuddin University, Balla Tamalanrea
church, the Muhammadiyah mosque and a number of other religious
buildings.

Similar threats have also been made to the Sedona Hotel, the
Stella Maria and Bertha hospitals, the state electricity firm PLN
and a number of schools.

Police said Zulhamdi was intent on disrupting the city in the
run-up to the general election. Residents were warned against
being easily incited to violence by provocateurs. (27/30)