Demak man reports police misconduct

Ainur Rohmah, The Jakarta Post, Semarang | Archipelago | Mon, February 18 2013, 5:47 PM

A Demak resident, Galih, has filed a report with Central Java Police following what he perceived as police misconduct. Galih said he was physically beaten and intimidated by police officers after being accused of being a murderer.

“I was forced to confess that I had committed a murder, while the truth is I didn’t know anything about the murder case,” Galih said after reporting the matter to Central Java Police’s internal affairs division on Monday.

He said that he and his brother Sukirman were taken to a local police station in Demak for questioning regarding their involvement in a local murder. He said the questioning session grew increasingly intense and he was beaten up.

He claimed four police officers had mistreated him

Commenting on the report, Central Java Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Djihartono said the issue would be addressed immediately. He also gave his assurances that the police would be impartial in investigating the claims.

“We will go all out in handling this case. The police officers allegedly involved will be firmly sanctioned if they are found guilty later on,” he said.

Previously, five police officers in Wonogiri regency were punished for serious misconduct. They were found guilty of physically beating a street musician.(dic)