BTM seizes researcher's videocassette recorder

A senior official of mining company PT Barisan Tropical Mining (BTM), Gavin Lee, has seized a video cassette recorder of environment activist Eka Rachman after the later took a picture on the company's old mining areas and dumping sites with his handy cam, Sriwijaya Pos reported on Saturday.

Eka, who is also a journalist, told the daily that the seizure of his cassette recorder took place on Friday when he was surveying the company's old mining area in Lubuk Linggau, South Sumatera.

"Gavin Lee actually welcomes my visit and he allowed me to take a picture. But later when I finished my shooting, he forced me to give the cassette," he said, adding that he was still discussing with his colleagues whether or not to report the case to the local police. (*)