Activist jailed for labor riot

Activist jailed for labor riot

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Medan District Court has sentenced
an activist to 10 months imprisonment for his role in a violent
labor strike last April.

Presiding Judge Haogoaro Harefa said on Thursday that Mayasyak
Johan, executive director of the Institute for the Advocacy of
Indonesian Children, was found guilty of inciting workers to
stage a vicious demonstration, Antara reported.

In a meeting between the workers and executives of the
Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union, Johan told them to march to
the North Sumatra gubernatorial office on April 14, which
resulted in their smashing shops and vehicles, according to the
verdict.

One businessman was killed, while a number of buildings and
vehicles were badly damaged during the demonstration.

In November, SBSI leader Muchtar Pakpahan received a three-
year jail term for his part in the riot. (sim)