Teacher assaults student

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Mariyah Suwarsih, a first year student of a local junior high school, fainted and had to be hospitalized after her teacher hit and kicked her for standing out of line before entering the classroom.

Antara reported that Mariyah's friends could only watch helplessly as the teacher assaulted her last Thursday. They then picked her up and carried her to the teachers' lounge. After failing to revive her, the teachers took her to Pringsewu Hospital.

Head of the Ministry of Education and Culture's local office, Enggus Subarman, reproached the unidentified teacher for this treatment.

Principal Hendro Subardjo of the SMPN 2 junior high school in Sukohardjo said the case was already "settled" because Mariyah's parents have decided to forgive the teacher and the school would pay for all her medical treatments.

Some parents, however, said the teacher should be reported to the police. (swe)