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)