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Police promise to respect children's rights in Gowa incident investigation
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Sealed off -- South Sulawesi Police personnel stand guard around the Gowa Legislative Council building damaged in an arson attack on Sept.26. The police continue to investigate the incident. (JP/Andi Hajramurni)
T
he National Police’s general supervision inspectorate chief, Insp. Gen. Dwi Priyatno, said the police would fully protect the rights of children in their investigation into a recent arson attack on the Gowa Legislative Council building.
He said the seven people allegedly involved in the arson attack would still be legally processed, however, legal assistance required under the 2002 Child Protection Law would be given because they were all still underage.
Priyatno went on to say that the law must be upheld on those suspected of carrying out the arson attack, and tough sanctions imposed on those found guilty.
However, he further said, the root causes of the incident must also be investigated and examined thoroughly.
“There are always root causes underneath any problem. We should find the best ways to resolve the problem,” said Priyatno.
“It’s a fact that we no longer recognize a monarchy; however, the cultural inheritance of a kingdom must always be preserved,” he went on.
South Sulawesi Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Frans Barung Mangera said the investigation team had continued to pursue the other perpetrators of the attack, including its mastermind.
“The CCTV footage shows the arson attack was coordinated by someone, who gave gasoline to the suspects and ordered them to set fire to the building,” said Barung.
The attack was triggered by a conflict between Gowa Regent Adnan Purichta Ichsan Yasin Limpo and Gowa royal family members, who demanded the revocation of Bylaw No.5/2016, which allows the regent to carry out the functions of the sombaya (king) of Gowa.
