An alleged pedophile was brutally assaulted and tortured by fellow detainees in Medan, North Sumatra, a court has heard, leading to sanctions for a police officer who turned a blind eye to — and even encouraged — the abuse.
HS was arrested under suspicion of molesting a minor in late 2021. On Nov. 21, he was admitted to hospital for a high fever and seizures, before he passed away.
Findings from an investigation into his death were presented in a hearing against defendant HPM at the Medan District Court on Saturday. The court heard that HPM was one of HS’ jail mates, who, along with other detainees, assaulted the victim and forced him to inflict self-pain.
“[The deceased] was forced to masturbate using hot balm,” the prosecutor in the trial said.
HPM and other inmates reportedly demanded HS pay an initiation fee of IDR2 million (US$136) upon his arrival at the detention center. HS did not have money on him, and his family refused to help him out.
It’s not clear if that was the sole motive of HS’ torture, or if the nature of the accusation against him made him a target of violence in jail. At any rate, HS had not been formally charged with molesting a minor by the time of his death.
The North Sumatra Police have also confirmed that one of their own, an adjunct second inspector identified by his initials LS, encouraged detainees to batter HS. LS is set for a dishonorable discharge from the police force and may face criminal sanctions as well.
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