Protest On The Assault Of Detik.Com Photographer

Protest On The Assault Of Detik.Com Photographer By The Police

IFEX- News from the international freedom of expression community

17 February 2000

Photographer assaulted by police

SOURCE: Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Jakarta

(AJI/IFEX) - The following is a 16 February 2000 press release by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), of which AJI is a member:

PROTEST ON THE ASSAULT OF DETIK.COM S PHOTOGRAPHER BY THE POLICE

The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) Jakarta office strongly condemns the assault of Yayus Yuswoprihanto, a detik.com s photojournalist, by police officers of Polsek Menteng, Central Jakarta.

The violent act occurred on Tuesday, February 15 at around 11:00 am in front of the United Nations (UN) representative's office on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Yayus was there to cover a demonstration. Around 100

people participated in the demonstration which protested a courtesy visit by UN General Secretary Kofi Annan to Indonesia. Some protesters did not only yell but also threw eggs, potatoes and stones at the UN building. This action seemed to anger the police officers of Polsek Menteng. All of sudden, the policemen attacked the mass. However, the police not only attacked the protesters but also assaulted Yayus who was taking pictures. The policemen beat him brutally with rubber sticks. As the result of this assault, Yayus was injured in his eyes and nose. Currently, Yayus is being treated at Waluyo Hospital, Central Jakarta.

In response to this violence, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)

Jakarta office: 1. Strongly protests the assault of Yayus Yuswoprihanto by Polsek Menteng police officers. 2. Strongly demands that the authorities investigate this incident in order to punish those who were responsible for this assault. 3. Strongly urges the police to stop violent acts and give a great deal of respect to the journalistic profession. 4. Hopes that journalists will not be affected by this violence and will

continue to work in accordance with the requirements of their profession. 5. Appeals to all parties to guarantee the safety of journalists while on assignment and respect law and order.

Jakarta, 16 February 2000

Lukas Luwarso Solahudin

Director Secretary

For further information, contact the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) Jakarta, Jl. Penjernihan I Dalam No.39, Jakarta, 10420, Indonesia, Tel/Fax: +62 21 570 8229, e-mail: seapajak@cbn.net.id

Or, contact the Alliance of Independent Journalists (Aliansi Jurnalis Independen, AJI), Jl. PAM Baru Raya No.16, Pejompongan, Jakarta 10210, Indonesia, tel/fax: +62 21 572 7018, e-mail: jurnalis@idola.net.id.

The information contained in this press release/alert is the sole responsibility of AJI. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit AJI.
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