Alleged killers face seven months

JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked the East Jakarta district court yesterday to sentence two men to seven months each for allegedly beating a man to death.

The prime suspect, identified as Iman, is still at large.

On Dec. 18, 1995, Iman, asked Danu Aji and Zainal Arifin if they wanted to play guitar together in front of the 213 Junior High School on Jl. Malaka I in East Jakarta.

Suddenly a stranger, later identified as Edy Basuki, was seen roaming around a resident's house suspiciously. Danu, thinking the man might be a car radio thief, as many have been found in the neighborhood, asked him to leave the area.

Edy inched away but would not leave. An angry Iman later chased Edy and beat him up. Danu and Zainal joined in. Iman then stabbed Edy twice while the other two continued beating and kicking the victim until he fell to the ground. Iman picked up a large stone and smashed in Edy's head.

After the beating, prosecutor Suwandi Edward said Danu took Iman's knife home to hide it.

"Perhaps the court should consider the fact that both suspects are still pursuing their education and have admitted to their wrongdoings," prosecutor Suwandi said.

The team of judges led by Soenarto will announce their decision next Tuesday. (14)