At least 32 children have been killed in the riots that took place on Saturday at a football stadium in Malang, Indonesia, which left a total of 125 dead, a local official told France-Presse news agency (AFP).
“According to the most recent data we have, of the 125 people who have died, 32 are children, the youngest being a two- or three-year-old.”An official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Women’s and Child Protection, identified as Nahar, told AFP.
The riots have also left more than 300 injured, some of whom are in serious condition and hospitalized in Malang City.
Security Minister Mahfud MD called on Indonesian police to “identify” the people who “committed the crimes”, saying that “action should be taken against” those responsible.
“We ask the national police to track down the perpetrators of the crimes in the coming days”the minister demands in a statement quoted by local television.
National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said investigators analyzed surveillance camera footage from the stadium to “identify the suspects who sparked the riot”.
This Monday, Indonesian authorities are also ordered to interrogate 18 police officers suspected of “using or carrying weapons” to the stadium on the island of Java, Dedi Prasetyo added at a news conference, citing tear gas canisters.
Indonesian president financially compensates family of 125 victims
Indonesian President Joko Widodo will compensate the families of the 125 people who died in a football stadium on Saturday, the country’s security minister announced on Monday.
“As a sign of compassion, the president will donate 50 million rupees” [cerca de 3.340 euros] to the family of every deceased person”Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin said at a news conference, adding that the amounts would be paid within two to three days.
Riots broke out on Saturday night when thousands of supporters of the Arema FC club burst onto the field after a 3-2 defeat to rivals Persebaya Surabaya at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java province, and clashed with security forces.
The stadium was at full capacity, with over 42,000 fans.
An angry mob confronted the police and destroyed several stadium infrastructure, as well as about 15 vehicles, in a violent scene described by East Java police chief Nico Afinta as “lawless”.
Security guards responded with tear gas in an attempt to stop the attacks, sparking panic among supporters and a stampede.
According to hospital sources, most of the victims succumbed to suffocation, trauma or a collision with a car.
Several survivors and witnesses to the violence denounced the brutality of the police, who not only fired tear gas canisters but also used batons to confront supporters, according to reports prepared by local media.
The Indonesian government has ordered an investigation into the safety conditions at football matches.
The football championship in Indonesia has been suspended for a week.
Source: DN
