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Concerns over brutality, abuse of power cast shadow over police's 78th anniversary
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This picture taken on Oct. 1, 2022, shows tear gas released by police among people crowded in the stands after a soccer match between Arema FC and Persebaya at the Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, East Java. (AFP/STR)
T
he National Police celebrated its 78th anniversary on Monday amid mounting public outrage at the police’s incompetence and alleged brutality, as well as growing opposition to a contentious amendment to the Police Law.
A grand celebration held at the National Monument (Monas) compound in Central Jakarta on Monday evening was overshadowed by a recent controversy surrounding the alleged torture and death of a 13-year-old boy, identified only as AM, while in police custody in Padang, West Sumatra.
AM’s bruised body was found in a river near the Kuranji Police station on June 9, and the victim’s family claims the death was caused by the brutality of the police who arrested AM and dozens of his friends on suspicion of attempting to incite brawls.
West Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Suharyono denied the allegation, claiming that AM was killed after jumping off a bridge to avoid arrest.
He, however, admitted that his subordinates did abuse other arrested teenagers by, among other means, beating them with rattan sticks and burning their skins with cigarettes during questioning.
Seventeen police officers confessed to the assaults during an internal investigation, and were awaiting ethical hearings, Suharyono went on.
Read also: Padang Police close case on alleged fatal torture of teen in custody
