Activist tortured

The student organisation PIJAR on August 17 released a letter smuggled out of jail written by student activist Hendrik Sirait. Sirait was arrested during a peaceful demonstration in support of Megawati Sukarnoputri. The letter read:

"I, Hendrik Dikson Sirait, Coordination of Advocacy for PIJAR, urgently need a lawyer. I was arrested on August 1 outside the Central Jakarta Court by Bakorstanas (Regional Security Coordinating Board). I was kept at Bakorstanas headquarters until August 5. While I was there I was tortured with electric shock, beaten and burned with cigarette butts. And I was forced to sign a confession that I was a mastermind of the burning and destruction that took place on July 27. Even though I wasn't there at all at that time. I think I need medical examination because I still get regular headaches as a result of the beatings. And finally I would like to ask that my parents be informed of where I am."

Amnesty International has confirmed that Hendrik Sirait is now being held at Polda, the district police headquarters in Jakarta. His family and lawyers have been able to visit him once. According to Amnesty International's information, Sirait has not received any medical treatment for his injuries.

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