Black chicken in Supreme Court

Black chicken in Supreme Court

From Suara Karya

On Aug. 1, some of the leading newspapers ran a front page photograph showing a black chicken thrown by someone during the reading of the decision pertaining to the Golkar Party case in the Supreme Court.

Such a disastrous tragedy has often occurred in many courts in Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta, with some of the attending parties aiming to intimidate.

Up until now, the Supreme Court has not implemented any strict measures by taking them to court for such contemptible behavior.

In a civilized world, the courts of law are supposed to be respected places where even whispering is frowned upon, let alone commotion.

Despite the strict rules and regulations of the proceedings in the above court (announced beforehand and including the tight screening of visitors and the banning of children), someone still managed to bring in a black chicken, held it up for about 60 seconds for the press photographers and then threw it at the panel of judges.

Should the Supreme Court and every other court in Indonesia remain silent about such demeaning acts? It is high time that "contempt of court" were upheld so that our courts, especially the Supreme Court, can be treated as respected, almost sacred, places for legal proceedings.

As for animals in courts, never again.

O.C. KALIGIS

Jakarta