Tight security for Sumiarsih

MALANG, East Java: Sumiarsih, one of the four convicted murderers of a marine lieutenant colonel and his family, is being closely guarded before her execution, chief of the Sukun women's prison Suhartatik said Saturday.

"The precaution has been taken to prevent her from doing anything dangerous. She is guarded even when she takes a bath," Suhartatik was quoted by Antara as saying.

She said the precautions started July 24, the day her request for clemency was rejected by President Soeharto.

Sumiarsih, her husband police sergeant Prayit, her son Sugeng, and her son-in-law Second Sergeant Adi Saputro, were convicted last year of murdering Lt. Col. Purwanto and his family because they could not repay the Rp 37 million (US$16,500) they owed to the victims.

Adi Saputro has been executed, while Sumiarsih, Prayit, and Sugeng will reportedly be executed later this month. (imn)