Yulia Savitri, Palembang – The latest death toll allegedly by the hands of police officers prompted non-governmental organization the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) to urge the South Sumatra Police to take serious measures in about 10 other recent deaths.
Kontras responded to the death of Ariansyah, 23, allegedly by an officer from Pamulutan Police in Palembang. The police were pursuing a murder suspect on Oct. 8 in Tujuh Ulu subdistrict. Led by Adj. Comr. Zaldi, one of the members of the police team allegedly launched a warning shot to the suspect. However, the shot hit Ariansyah, a resident in the area.
Kontras' head of human rights protection division, Arif Nur Fikri, said from July 3 to July 12, they recorded at least 10 civilians that were shot dead by the police.
"We urge the South Sumatra Police chief to investigate the Tujuh Ulu case objectively and thoroughly," Arif said Thursday.
Arif suspected the police officer was not careful when he fired the warning shot. "We ask the police to take responsibility and to ensure they give the victim's family compensation," he added.
Earlier, South Sumatra Police Insp. Gen. Zulkarnain Adinegara confirmed that a police officer had accidentally shot a civilian. He said he instructed internal affairs to question the officer. (evi)