Jakarta: Thousands of people marched in Indonesia on Thursday to demand justice and an investigation into those responsible for last month's Kanjuruhan football stadium stampede in which 135 people were killed.

Supporters of Arema FC start a prayer rally in Malang city of East Java 40 days after the tragedy, when police fired tear gas at a domestic league football match, causing a fatal crush on spectators who tried to flee.

Apart from Malang, protesters from other areas participated in the rally. The incidents of football spectator deaths have been described by the organizers as a human rights violation.

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"Arrest all background actors and on-field executioners of the Kanjuruhan tragedy on October 1 and bring them to justice," Arema supporters said in a written statement on Thursday. "Make the Kanjuruhan tragedy not just a minor one, but a serious human rights violation."

Compensation for the loss of the victims and the victim's family and pay through the compensation mechanism."
The protesters planned to visit Malang sites such as the Gajayana Football Stadium, Malang City Square and Malang City Hall.

Malang Mayor Sutiaji, a well-known name like many Indonesians, met the participants and thanked them for the peaceful rally. Malang government officials wore black for two days to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the world's deadliest sports disasters.

Last month, an investigation team appointed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in response to national outrage over the deaths concluded that tear gas was the primary cause.

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It claimed that the police officers on duty were unaware that the use of tear gas is prohibited in football stadiums and that it is used "indiscriminately" on the field, in the stands and outside the stadium, leading to more than 42,000 seats inside 36,000 seats. There are more seats. , The audience is more. Stadiums to exit, many of which were closed.

The fact-finding team, which included government officials, football and security experts and activists, also concluded that PSSI, the national football federation, was negligent and ignored safety and security regulations, and resigned from its chairman and executive committee. was requested to give. ,

When fans flooded the pitch after losing to Arema FC at home to rival Persebaya Surabaya for the first time in 23 years, police officers fired tear gas.

Only Arema supporters attended the game as Persebaya supporters were banned due to Indonesia's history of violent football rivalry.

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Police chiefs in Malang district and East Java province have been fired by the national police, and nine other officers have been placed on administrative leave for violating professional ethics.

According to reports, six people, including the head of the league's administration, PT Liga Indonesia Baru, two officials from Arema FC and three police officers who allowed or instructed officials to use tear gas, were charged with negligence by the authorities. Is. Used to be. He has been detained by East Java Police and could face up to five years in prison.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with President Widodo and promised to contribute to increasing the security of the stadium.