Death penalty sought for Poso riot instigators<\/p>\n
PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): A state prosecutor demanded on
\nThursday that the Palu District Court impose the death penalty on
\nthree men charged with instigating the Poso sectarian clash which
\nclaimed hundreds of lives last year.<\/p>\n
During the case's 14th court hearing, prosecutor Lantara said
\nthat Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus Da Silva and Marinus Riwu were
\nguilty of violating Article 340 of the Criminal Code, relating to
\npremeditated murder, which is punishable by death.<\/p>\n
Thousands of visitors, who had been crowding the court
\nbuilding from 6 a.m. local time, silently listened to the
\nprosecutor read his 92-page sentence demand.<\/p>\n
They burst into cheers, yelling and clapping their hands in
\njoy when the prosecutor requested that the death penalty be
\nimposed on the defendants.<\/p>\n
Strangely, defendant Martinus also clapped his hands and
\nsmiled, while Dominggus and Fabianus looked anxious upon hearing
\nthe prosecutor's statement.<\/p>\n
\"All 26 people taking the witness stand have revealed the
\nroles of the three defendants in a series murders between May 24
\nand Sept. 20 last year,\" Lantara said.<\/p>\n
The testimonies in favor of the defendants, made by witnesses
\npresented by the defense lawyers, had also implicated the
\ndefendants. The witnesses had clearly described the defendants'
\nrole in the interreligious clashes in the district of Poso.<\/p>\n
\"Based on the witnesses' (for the defendants) statements, we
\nconclude that the defendants violated Article 338 of the Criminal
\nCode on murder or causing death. They deserve the death penalty,\"
\nsaid the prosecutor.<\/p>\n
Last year's fierce clash between Christians and Muslims in
\nTentena, Poso district, claimed at least 300 lives.<\/p>\n
The defendants' attorney Robert Bofe asked the panel of
\njudges, presided over by Soedarmo, for two weeks to prepare
\ndefense statements.<\/p>\n
The court visitors responded to the lawyer's request with
\njeering and vulgar comments.<\/p>\n
Judge Soedarmo gave only one week to the defense lawyer,
\nsaying, \"The trial has consumed much time. Please use the one
\nweek as well as possible.\"<\/p>\n
As in previous sessions, the visitors turned violent as the
\ndefendants left the court building in a paddy wagon, pelting the
\nvehicle with stones. (24\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/death-penalty-sought-for-poso-riot-instigators-1447893297",
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