Men in North Sumatra were beaten, allegedly because they were positive for Covid-19

Medan, CNN Indonesia —

A man from Toba Regency, North Sumatra Province (North Sumatra) was beaten with wood allegedly only because of exposure covid-19. The violent video circulated on social media and was confirmed by one of the victim’s relatives. The incident is said to have occurred in Bulu Silape Hamlet, Sianipar II Village, Silaen District.

The victim in the video is known as Salamat Sianipar (45). A number of people abused him using hard objects such as long sticks. While some other people just watch.

Not only was he beaten, the victim was also tied up and dragged to fall.

The victim’s cousin, Anderson Regen Silaen, confirmed the video of the abuse. According to him, the incident began when the victim had a cold and fever on July 21, 2021.

The victim then checked himself at a clinic not far from his home and tested positive for COVID-19.

“The victim’s condition is not feeling well. The results of the examination state that he is positive for COVID-19. We don’t know exactly whether it is a PCR test or an antigen,” said Anderson, Saturday (24/7).

Salamat then chose to self-isolate in a small hut. But somehow, the man was attacked by residents on Thursday, July 22, 2021.

“He was beaten because the residents did not accept that he had Covid-19. There were even some people from the village apparatus who abused him. During the persecution, he was tied with rope and beaten with a long stick,” he said.

Salamat, according to Anderson, is currently being treated at a hospital in Porsea for his injuries. He admitted to accompanying Salamat.

“This position is in the ambulance, has not been treated. The condition of the wound is starting to dry. His legs are all swollen from being beaten,” said Anderson.

Regarding the abuse case, said Anderson, the family will make a report at the Toba Police.

“We want to make a report. He’s still in the hospital,” said Anderson.

[Gambas:Instagram]

There has been no information from other parties, especially from the village apparatus where the abuse took place.

Toba Police Chief AKBP Akala Fikta Jaya, who was confirmed to have yet to give an answer. The Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Toba Police, Iptu B Samosir, who was asked about the matter, also admitted that he had not received a report.

Separately, the spokesman for the Toba COVID-19 Task Force, Lalo Hartono Simanjuntak, said that his party had received news of the persecution. But they have not got the complete chronology.

“I have to go to the field. We have to check how chronological the truth is,” said Lalo.

During the current pandemic, residents who are proven positive for COVID-19 must be separated from other residents so they don’t infect them. This can be done by self-isolation when there are no symptoms or mild symptoms, or being treated in an isolation room at a health facility for treatment.

(fnr / on)

[Gambas:Video CNN]

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