Family of boy allegedly killed by police seeks justice – Archipelago

The death of the student with the initials “AM” sparked nationwide outrage and calls for police reform after news of the alleged police brutality circulated on social media.

At an event in Jakarta on Wednesday, AM’s uncle spoke out against what he described as attempts to prevent the family from seeking justice.

In one case, the uncle said, officials at the Padang Police Hospital made it difficult for the family to collect the body even though the autopsy had already been completed.

“The body must stay here, it must be washed and wrapped,” he recalled the words of a staff member, as reported by tempo.co.

Read also: Human rights groups demand transparency in investigation into death of boy allegedly tortured by police

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In another case, the uncle said, police apparently tried to dissuade the family from requesting a second autopsy. He recalled that police said the family would have to pay “20 million rupees (US$1,224) if they wanted a second autopsy.”

On June 9, AM’s body was found with multiple injuries under a bridge. His family claims he died as a result of torture by police officers who stopped him and his friends because they suspected they were trying to start a fight.

West Sumatra police have denied the allegations and said AM died because his broken ribs punctured his lung. Police say AM sustained the fatal injury when he jumped from a 12-meter-high bridge to avoid police arrest.

On Wednesday, police denied any intimidation of AM’s family. (dds)