M Rizal Maslan, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) has expressed regret over the attack by three unknown assailants on an action by supporters of Munir at the Central Jakarta State Court. The actions by the three mysterious men will be reported to police.

“We will be sending a letter to the Central Jakarta State Court in order that [they] provide maximum security for all court hearing spectators. We will also send a written complaint to the Metro Jaya local police and the Central Jakarta district police”, said Kontras coordinator Usman Hamid.

Hamid conveyed this at the Kontras’ offices on Jalan Borobudur in Central Jakarta on Thursday November 17. According to Hamid the attack further indicates that the Munir case is political. “These thuggish actions must be ended because it worsens the credibility justice in the Munir case”, said Hamid.

As has been reported, a demonstration by Munir supporters that had initially proceeded peacefully ended in chaos. Three heavily built men with short hair suddenly started grabbing leaflets that were being distributed by Kontras members to the public. The demonstration took place as Muchdi Purwoprajoyo – who is a former National Intelligence Agency deputy chief and also a former Commander General of Kopassus – was in the middle of giving evidence. (aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]