Villagers seek redress for attacks

Villagers seek redress for attacks

JAKARTA (JP): At least 50 residents of Sumur Batu village in
Citeureup district, Bogor, visited the Jakarta Legal Aid
Institute (LBH) on Monday seeking legal advice after allegedly
being assaulted by security guards from the Royal Sentul housing
complex.

The residents' spokesman, Ubaidillah, said at least seven
residents, identified as Okto Wibowo, Saepudin, Asmuni, Apudin,
Sudin, Asep and Memed, suffered injuries due to repeated beatings
on Apr. 27.

"We had told the guards that we wanted a peaceful settlement
over a dispute with the developer of the housing complex, but
they continued attacking us," said Ubaidillah, an executive of
the Al-Mujahidin Islamic boarding school, located near the
housing complex.

The dispute occurred after the developer reportedly blocked
the main access route to the village through the residential
area.

The firm apparently used bulldozers to dump soil around the
entrance of the road to prevent the villagers from passing
through.

Ubaidillah said the guards drove a truck recklessly to
frighten the residents, adding that the guards were equipped with
swords and wooden sticks.

Meanwhile Asmuni, a teacher at the boarding school, said three
security guards held their swords to his neck, causing injuries.

He said his son Asep was beaten and kicked by the security
guards when he tried to help his father.

Another man, Okto, said that he was beaten at the scene before
being questioned at the housing complex office by security guards
and two military officers. (jun)