Ulma Haryanto – Relatives of two teenage boys who died in police custody in West Sumatra said on Thursday that they would not be satisfied until the police took full responsibility for the deaths.

"The family's wish is that all of the officers who handled [the brothers] from the day of their arrests be held accountable," said Yusbar, the uncle of 14-year old Faisal and his brother, 17-year old Budri M. Zen.

On Wednesday, National Police Chief Gen. Timur Pradopo acknowledged that torture may have taken place when the brothers were arrested last month by the Sijunjung Police in an attempt to extract a confession.

"[There was] an alleged abuse of the two victims by rogue officers," Timur said during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission III, which oversees legal affairs.

Timur maintained, however, that any torture did not cause the boys' deaths, which police claim were suicides by hanging. "Circular abrasion marks were found on the victims' necks, like what you would see when people hang themselves," he said.

Johny Nelson Simanjuntak, a member of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), said they were still convinced that Faisal and Budri had not committed suicide. The group is seeking to have an independent autopsy performed.

The National Police sanctioned the Sijunjung Police chief and eight officers for negligence in failing to prevent the deaths. "They are now waiting for the legal process [for torture]," Timur said.

The Sijunjung Police chief, Adj. Comr. Syamsul Bahri, was stripped of his rank and sentenced to 21 days in detention. The other eight officers received between 21 and 28 days in detention, demotions and other administrative punishments.