Labuhan Ruku Jail Riot Caused by Four Factors
Selasa, 20 Agustus 2013 8:32 WIB
Jakarta (Antara) - Deputy Minister of Justice and Human Rights Denny Indrayana has revealed that a combination of four things led to the riot and fire at Labuhan Ruku penitentiary in North Sumatra on Sunday evening.
"The four reasons behind the riot are relocation of prisoners from Lubuk Pakam jail (to Labuhan Ruku penitentiary), disputes between inmates and prison officers, unsatisfactory remission, and the overcrowding of the prison," he said here on Monday.
According to Denny, the law and order situation at penitentiaries tends to be vulnerable ahead of remission announcements, whether they be relating to special or general remissions.
"Although we coordinated with the police in anticipation of security problems, we were unable to prevent such an incident from happening," he stated.
However, Denny added, the Justice and Human Rights Ministry will conduct an in-depth investigation into the incident in cooperation with the national police.
Meanwhile, acting Director General of Correctional Institutions Bambang Krisbanu admitted that five of the 30 prisoners who had escaped from the Labuhan Ruku penitentiary on Sunday were still at large.
"A total of 22 inmates have been captured, while three have surrendered voluntarily at the penitentiary," Bambang stated.
In order to prevent such escapes from recurring, the national police has deployed an additional 350 personnel to secure the prison, said Insp. Gen. Ronny F. Sompie, Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police Headquarters.
Ronny has also called on the heads of penitentiaries to examine and evaluate the conditions in which the prison inmates live, as part of efforts to prevent situations that might lead to riots. (*)