Batam – The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has leveled allegations of extreme brutality and torture against police officers in Riau Islands province for their treatment of seven security guards, who had earlier been named suspects in a murder case.

Komnas HAM has recommended that the nine police officers, who carried out the violent abuse be tried in a civil court as well as facing internal disciplinary measures.

Johnny Nelson Simanjuntak, a commissioner Komnas HAM, said Thursday that the human rights violations conducted by the police officers constituted neglect of the suspects' rights as regulated under Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights.

"The police's internal division has pledged to bring the nine officers to trial in a civil court in November at the latest. Komnas HAM will closely monitor the trial," Johnny said.

According to Johnny, one of the nine officers involved in the violent attacks was a high-ranking officer with the rank of Sec. Adj. Inspector, while another was a female officer.

"The torment was not conducted by the interrogators [assigned to the case], but by members of various units, so we cannot ask for accountability from the [case] commander. We are not seeking the dismissal of Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Raden Budi Winarso either, because that would only destroy his career," Johnny said.

According to him, the attacks that were carried out against the detained security guards included physical beating; burning their tongues; forcing them to lick blood off the floor of their cells; and other physical torture.

"Two of the security guards – Nurdin Harahap and Supriyanto – want to withdraw the statements they gave to Komnas HAM having subsequently received Rp 22 million from the police, but I said their statements cannot be retracted. Financial reparation is an obligation for the police," Johnny added.