BADUNG, Bali – An Algerian national facing theft allegations in Bali has claimed through his lawyer that he was physically abused while in police custody, allegations that Indonesian police have firmly denied.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the serious nature of the accusations but also because it raises broader questions about the treatment of foreign nationals during criminal investigations in one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations.
Police, however, insist the suspect’s medical condition is unrelated to any use of force and say he remained cooperative throughout the investigation.
Lawyer Details Alleged Abuse
The allegations were made by Florentina, the lawyer representing the Algerian suspect identified by his initials MBC, following a medical examination at Murni Teguh Hospital in Kuta on Friday.
According to Florentina, her client’s account remains the sole basis for the allegations, and she emphasized that no conclusions should be drawn before all available evidence has been examined.
“This is still an allegation based on my client’s statement,” she told reporters.
She said MBC claimed he was assaulted after refusing to admit to the alleged theft and declining to reveal where he was living during questioning following his arrest on June 6.
According to the lawyer, MBC alleged that approximately 10 police officers assaulted him.
“He told us he was punched on different parts of his body,” Florentina said. “He also claimed a firearm was pointed at his genital area.”
She stressed that her legal team is approaching the allegations cautiously and has not independently verified her client’s account.
“Our client says he knows who was involved, but we don’t want to speculate until everything can be proven,” she added.
Medical Examination Continues
Florentina said doctors found that MBC had a pre-existing medical condition affecting one of his testicles during an initial examination.
According to her, the suspect suffered an injury in 2019 following an unrelated assault in Algeria, which resulted in long-term changes but had not caused significant pain in recent years.
She said MBC began experiencing renewed pain after his arrest in Bali, with symptoms becoming more severe over the past ten days.
Doctors have prescribed antibiotics and pain medication while recommending a seven-day observation period before determining whether further specialist examinations are necessary.
Florentina said no medical findings have so far concluded that the suspect suffered internal bleeding or serious trauma linked to the alleged incident.
Police Reject Allegations
Kuta Police have categorically denied that any physical abuse occurred during the suspect’s arrest or detention.
Kuta Police Chief Kompol Laksmi Trisnadewi Wieryawan said a formal report regarding the suspect’s medical examination was being prepared and would be released through the Public Relations Division of Badung Police to ensure consistent information for the media.
She also rejected claims that officers used violence during the investigation.
“The suspect’s illness was not caused by physical violence,” she said in a written statement.
“From the beginning, he was cooperative while being secured by officers.”
Theft Investigation Continues
MBC and his wife are currently facing allegations of stealing Adidas merchandise from two separate retail outlets in the Kuta area.
According to Florentina, her client has acknowledged taking some of the items, while his wife continues to deny any involvement.
She said the defense team has not yet received the complete investigation file and therefore has been unable to fully review the evidence gathered by investigators, including CCTV footage referenced during the investigation.
A Case Under Scrutiny
The allegations have attracted attention among Bali’s international community, where the treatment of foreign nationals during legal proceedings is often closely followed.
At present, the abuse claims remain unverified and are based solely on statements made by the suspect through his lawyer.
No independent medical report has concluded that MBC suffered injuries caused by assault, and no official investigation has publicly confirmed any misconduct by police officers.
The allegations remain unverified, while Indonesian police continue to maintain that no physical abuse occurred during the suspect’s arrest or detention.