The Indonesian National Police indicated this Monday that it is investigating 18 officers for launching tear gas canisters on Saturday. This, during the disturbances registered in a soccer field, which ended with 125 deaths.
These officers were on duty and were responsible for operating the shotguns to fire gas canisters, Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo pointed out at a press conference, according to the first internal investigations of the incident.
The officer also indicated that they are reviewing more than thirty security cameras near the stadium to identify suspects for “destroying property inside or outside” the sports venue.
How did the events unfold?
Thousands of Arema club fans stormed the pitch on Saturday after their team was beaten 2-3 at home by Persebaya Surabaya at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang city, East Java province.
The security agents responded by firing tear gas on the lawn and in the packed stands, prompting a stampede of fans towards the exits. Most of the deceased succumbed due to suffocation, trauma or trampling, according to hospital sources.
According to official figures -which were revised last night after a series of errors in the count- 125 people have passed away, including 17 minors, and 323 were injured of varying degrees, in one of the greatest tragedies in the history of world football.
The use of tear gas against fans, prohibited inside the stadium by FIFA regulations -the highest body in world football-, has been criticized by organizations that guarantee human rights such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch.
Mahfud MD, Indonesian Minister of Security, indicated that a group of experts Independent parties will fully investigate the incident and that it will take two to three weeks to complete the investigations. Likewise, he pointed out that the authorities are investigating the veracity of videos published about the incident, where those responsible for security “exceeded themselves and acted outside their authority.”
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