Student detained for libel

Student detained for libel

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: A student of the state-run Cenderawasih University in Jayapura has been arrested for allegedly defaming the Manokwari police.

Lt. Col. Tjahjo Hernoadi, Manokwari police chief, said he ordered the arrest of the student, identified by Antara only by his initials SR, for libelous remarks made in a letter published by the Cenderawasih Pos newspaper.

In the letter, SR accused the police of unlawfully preventing his brother in-law, identified as Yustinus Hurulean, from leaving town and of extorting Rp 100,000 from him.

Tjahjo said Yustinus had been ordered not to leave town because he has a pending court hearing on charges of assault.

He denied the extortion charges saying that Yustinus gave Rp 100,000 to police investigators in gratitude for treating him well during the interrogation. (imn)