Suspect shaman killed by mob

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Hundreds of people ran amok and mobbed to death a 40-year-old man suspected of being a shaman here on Sunday evening.

"Police have detained 20 people over the incident. We will not release them even though their fellow villagers are demanding their release," Banyumas Police chief Lt. Col. Imam Basuki said on Monday.

Two eyewitnesses, Abrori, 50, and Teguh Santoso, 30, stated that hundreds of people gathered at 7:30 p.m. in front of the alleged shaman's house and began pelting it with stones before attacking it.

Abrori said residents were angry at the man, Pujianto, because he had committed adultery and was believed to be a shaman. (45/dja)