By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA) - Indonesia on Wednesday sacked a police officer over last week’s killing of a motorcyclist when it was run over by an armored police vehicle during anti-government protests.
National police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said officer Cosmas Kaju Gae, one of seven policemen linked to the deadly incident, was dismissed dishonorably for his “unprofessional” conduct, according to local broadcaster Kompas TV.
The protests began last week in response to controversial increases in benefits for members of parliament. Tensions escalated sharply on Thursday when the driver was killed, triggering widespread rioting, looting, and attacks on public infrastructure.
At least 10 people were killed in the unrest, which saw angry crowds torching government buildings in Jakarta and other major cities, the National Commission on Human Rights reported on Tuesday.
Calm is slowly returning to Indonesia’s capital Jakarta amid heightened security following a week of violent protests.