JPNN Journalist Deden Saputra Officially Reports Alleged Persecution While Covering Demonstrations at Governor's Rujab to the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police

JPNN journalist La Ode Muhammad Deden Saputra experienced violence while covering a demonstration, in front of the Governor's Office of Southeast Sulawesi, at Mandonga District, Kendari City, on Thursday 10 February 2022.

At that day, there was a demonstration against Alvian Taufan Putra, who is the son of the governor of Southeast Sulawesi, Ali Mazi, to become the only candidate for chairman of Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI). Alvian Taufan Putra defeated another candidate, Dirga Mubarak in the verification file carried out by the election committee.

Several students who became the mass of the demonstration questioned the committee's decision. They suspected that the selection stage was intervened by Governor Ali Mazi.

The demonstration was chaotic, because mass of the demonstration clashed with the civil service police unit.

When the demonstration chaotic, the journalist will take pictures of the commotion. However, the victim's hand was hit causing the cellphone used to take pictures to fall and crack. He was also beaten by two police officers, who got emotional during the riot, which made his hands and head hurt.

The Journalist reported the case to the Directorate of Special Investigation and Crime (Ditreskrimsus) of the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police. The police are still investigating the case, and there has been no update from the police, regarding the development of this violence case.