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