Tommy still sick

JAKARTA: The police again failed to question Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra at the Cipinang Penitentiary on Thursday as he was still sick.

The first attempt to question Tommy, in conjunction with his controversial statements in court two weeks ago, failed last Thursday as the South Jakarta District Court had not yet issued the permit.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said that the questioning ended after he responded to 10 questions given by the officers within about one hour.

"The interrogation has yet to come to anything substantial", Anton said, declining to reveal the subject matter in detail.

The investigative team led by Comr. Aries Munandar stopped the questioning after learning that Tommy was still unwell.

Tommy is being tried for his alleged role in illegal firearms possession, fleeing from justice, and the murder of Supreme Court Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita.

In a court hearing two weeks ago Tommy said that he had visited his family regularly during his time on the run, thanks to coordination with security officers.

The statements jolted the police, who are now looking into Tommy's aspersions.

Tommy's sickness 'started' on Wednesday when he failed to appear at a hearing at the South Jakarta District Court.

Anton said police would continue questioning Tommy when he recovers. --JP