Videos of security brutality spark public outcry

(AP):

A grisly video that shows Indonesian security forces torturing suspected separatists in Papua province, burning the genitals of one and running a knife across the neck of another sparked public outcry yesterday after circulating on the Internet.

For many in the young democracy, the images were a reminder of the dark days of former dictator Suharto, who often used the military and police to stifle dissent, especially in far-flung regions with aspirations of independence.

Stories about the video were prominent in local newspapers yesterday and expressions of anger filled commentary pages.

"It was shocking, every scene was barbaric," said Haris Azhar of the human rights group Kontras. "The government has to find out who is behind such violence in Papua and bring them to court."

One of the suspected separatists is shown lying naked on a patch of gravel in the remote village of Puncak Jaya. An interrogator steps roughly on his chest, as another repeatedly asks where he and his friends have stashed their weapons.