Yogyakarta police sued for 'torture'

YOGYAKARTA: The relatives of Aan Yulianto, a bystander during last week's brawl in Yogyakarta who died on Sunday after being questioned by the authorities, said on Tuesday they will sue the local police for allegedly torturing him.

"We want justice and the truth. An official investigation is the best way to uncover the cause of Aan's death," lawyer of the victim's relatives Yanuar Bagus Sasmito told The Jakarta Post.

Aan, 19, was one of five witnesses questioned by police over the brawl, in which police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) member Totok Sugiyarto was wounded after being stabbed with a knife by an unknown assailant.

The police then sent Aan to Sardjito Hospital for surgery, where he died.

Doctors said that some of Aan's right and left ribs were broken and that his liver and lungs were badly damaged.

"We have several witnesses who can vouch that Aan was tortured during the police interrogation," Yanuar said.

Aan's father Suroto came to the police headquarters on Monday to complain about his son's death.

Separately, local chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Toto Sunyoto said 10 policemen were being questioned over Aan's death.

The police are also facing a similar lawsuit by the relatives of Walmudi, alias Klowor, a resident of Tegalrejo -- who was shot dead by a Brimob member during the brawl. --JP