[Kabar-indonesia] Mob Protests for Tommy's Release

[JoyoNews at aol.com]

The Jakarta Post
Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Mob protest for Tommy's release 

JAKARTA: About 20 people staged a rowdy demonstration outside the Justice and 
Human Rights Ministry office Monday demanding the speedy release of Hutomo 
"Tommy" Mandala Putera from jail. The son of former president Soeharto is 
serving time for murder.

The protesters described the government's decision to delay his release 
because of fears over public reactions was "unacceptable". 

"Administratively, Tommy should have been given a conditional release on 
Aug. 18," the protesters, who claimed to represent different organizations, 
declared in a statement. 

The group also demanded that Justice and Human Rights Minister Hamid 
Awaluddin clarify his statement, made at a House of Representatives hearing, that some 
people objected to Tommy's release. 

"Which people did he refer to, we want to know," said one protester, while 
others banged on a table while talking to ministry spokesman Joko Sasongko. 

Cipinang penitentiary filed a proposal for Tommy's release two-thirds of the 
way through his 10 year jail term in September, citing good conduct in support 
of the move. -- JP 

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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