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)