Three suspects held over murder of prosecutor
Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post/Palu
Police have arrested a suspect in the murder of lawyer Ferry Silalahi, who was killed months after prosecuting several terror suspects in the Central Sulawesi capital of Palu.
The 28-year-old suspect, identified only by his initials SJ, was arrested in Dondo subdistrict, Ampana Kota district, Tojo Unana regency. The suspect comes from the troubled town of Poso, which has seen a renewal in violence recently.
Also arrested were the two owners of the house SJ was found in. The two men also were identified only by their initials: Al and Yd.
"The three are being charged under the antiterrorism law," Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Taufik Ridha said on Monday.
He said the police were still searching for three more suspects in the murder of Ferry.
During the arrest of SJ, police also confiscated a .38 caliber revolver, 18 bullets, a bayonet and a bag containing religious books.
The three suspects are being held at the provincial police headquarters, where they are undergoing questioning.
Taufik said SJ was suspected in the murder of Ferry, while the two other men were being detained for aiding and abetting SJ.
SJ has been wanted by the police since the murder of Ferry on May 26, 2004. He was also being sought for questioning over the renewed religious violence in Poso, Taufik said.
He said the suspect had twice been detained by the Central Sulawesi Police on different charges.
Ferry was shot dead in his car after leaving a house where he had attended an evening church service on Jl. Swadaya in Tana Modindi, South Palu.
Taufik said his officers were expanding the investigation to determine whether SJ was also among the gunmen who attacked the Effata church on July 18, killing woman minister Susianty Tinulele.
Police are focusing their search for the three other suspect in the murder of Ferry on the town of Ampana.
Earlier, another suspect identified only as ES was arrested in connection with the murder of Ferry, who prosecuted dozens of cases, including those dealing with corruption and terrorism.
The last terrorism-related cases he prosecuted were those of Bali bombing suspects Firmansyah, Fajri and Aang Hasanuddin, all three of whom were found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Meanwhile, the Central Sulawesi Police apologized for the arrest of a man who was mistakenly accused of playing a role in the murder of minister Susianty.
Palu has experienced several recent attacks on Christian targets by unidentified gunmen who are believed still to be at large in Central Sulawesi.
Officials say the attacks are attempts to instigate renewed fighting between Muslims and Christians in the area. Palu has been relatively peaceful since a peace accord was signed in 2001.