The Jakarta Post, January 25, 2006
Sulawesi police on alert for trouble
PALU, Central Sulawesi: Police in Tojo Una-Una regency were guarding the council
building and council speaker Masri Latinapa's residence Monday, a day after angry
residents attacked the building and went in search of Masri.
In a letter to Central Sulawesi Governor, the council speaker blamed the incident on
several people who provoked residents into the attack. He urged police to arrest those
responsible.
"They provoked the residents, who became upset. The police should immediately
arrest these people for insulting the state institution," Masri said in the letter.
The incident began when a crowd of people gathered to protest allegedly insulting
remarks made by Masri about M. Amin Lasawedi when he was asked to pay the
electricity bill at a mosque founded by the late religious leader.
Masri admitted refusing to pay the bill, but denied ever insulting Amin.
A relative of the late religious leader, Aslamuddin Lasawedi, condemned the violence
Monday, but contended Masri should be held responsible for his part in the incident.
"As a (political) leader, Masri doesn't set a good example for the people. He should
step down from his position," he said. -- JP
All contents copyright © of The Jakarta Post.
|
