At least 125 people were killed at a football match in Indonesia when police used tear gas to break up the crowd.
The sudden loss of loved ones at the match in East Java's Malang city that was watched only by hometown Arema FC fans made it difficult for family members to comprehend. The team's fans were banned because of the history of violent soccer rivalries.
Most of the deaths occurred when riot police, trying to stop the violence, fired tear gas at the spectators. The people who died were trampled or smothered.
In a news conference, Dedi Prasetyo said that 18 officers responsible for firing tear gas, ranging in rank from middle to high-ranking, were being investigated.
He said police were still questioning witnesses and analyzing security camera footage from inside and outside the stadium to identify suspected vandals. The dead included two police officers.
The president of Arema FC said the club was prepared to accept any sanctions from Indonesia's soccer association and the government.
A separate inquiry will be led by the security minister. Three weeks will be needed for the team to complete the task.
The use of tear gas should be investigated and those responsible should be tried in an open court, according to the rights group. The use of tear gas at soccer stadiums has been advised against by football's world governing body.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
