Yogyakarta police sued for 'torture'

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