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Three suspects of Tasikmalaya riot questioned

Source
Antara News - February 7, 1997

Bandung – At least three persons suspected of instigating the Tasikmalaya riot on December 26 have been questioned by the provincial attorney's office.

Deputy chief of the West Java attorney's office, Armin Aribowo, told ANTARA Wednesday that his office is still searching for MH(24), another suspect who went into hiding right after the riot.

The suspects who have been questioned were AGS, AM and AI, he said.

The Tasikmalaya riot which turned into rampage killed at least four persons, injured tens of others and damaged scores of buildings and cars. Total losses was estimated to Rp 84 billion (US$36.5million).

Aribowo also said that nine witnesses testified the involvement of MH in the riot, while the involvement of the three others was supported by the testimony of a number of witnesses. The riot was sparked by a rumour that one of the three teachers of a nearby Moslem boarding school had been tortured during a police investigation and died. The rumour proved false.

The riot left 13 places of worship, 89 shops, 12 police stations, four factories, four schools, six banks and three hotels either damaged or burnt.

Aribowo added that a 43-member team are studying the evidences collected against the suspects.

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