Polri called to investigate rally shooting

Balaesang Tanjung, Kabupaten Donggala,

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) called on the National Police to start an investigation into the death of a protester, shot during a protest over gold mining plans in Balaesang Tanjung, Donggala, Central Sulawesi.

Komnas HAM deputy chairman Ridha Saleh suspected that the victim was shot, by the police, with live ammunition.

Residents staged a rally on Wednesday, protesting over plans by PT Cahaya Manunggal Abadi (CMA).

The protests turned into a brawl as local residents fought with police officers. The incident claimed the life of Masdudin, 45, while others were reportedly injured.

“I have seen the wound. He was shot in the back with real bullet, not a rubber one,” said Ridha during his visit to Bhayangkara Polda Hospital in Palu.

 “Polri should immediately investigate this case. The local police have gone over the line,” he added.

Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Dewa Parsana previously denied the use of real bullets to suppress the protesters. “We fired warning shots, but we did not use live ammunition. We used rubber bullets,” Dewa said.

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