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Police officers investigated as accessory to murder of activist Kancil
Jakarta Globe - October 9, 2015
National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti ordered the police's internal investigation unit to interrogate the Lumajang precinct chief, his chief detective and head of the public order unit after allegations emerged they had received kickbacks and allowed a mob to attack Salim.
"They received a share [of the blood money] from the attackers; that's why we're investigating them," Badrodin said in Jakarta on Friday.
Salim, a farmer and anti-mining activist from the village of Selok Awar-Awar in Pasirian subdistrict, died last month after he was attacked and tortured by at least a dozen men. He was reportedly electrocuted and beaten with a stick and a hoe before his neck was slashed with a saw.
Tosan, a coordinator for the Anti-Mining Farmers Forum, was also attacked and remains in critical condition. The victims had been leading a series of protests against a sand mining operation at the nearby Watu Pecak beach.
The violent attacks made national headlines and reports were widely shared by Indonesian netizens, triggering condemnation and demands for a thorough investigation.
Mining activities in the area have damaged crops belonging to local farmers since operations began in 2014, said Muhammad Haryadi, a student activist supporting farmers.
Muhammad claimed the mob was hired by the local village chief to intimidate protesters.
Badrodin on Friday said the three officers have admitted to receiving kickbacks for the past six months. If proven guilty, they could face disciplinary charges and be convicted for accessory to murder and allowing illegal mining activities.
"The chief detective was aware the mining activities were illegal, but they did nothing to stop them," Badrodin said.
Police in East Java have arrested at least 18 people for their role in the case.
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