Cleric tried for rape

CIREBON, West Java: The Sumber District Court began hearing the trial of cleric Solihin, a teacher at the Nurul Iman Islamic boarding school, who is charged with raping a student, Antara reported on Monday.

Prosecutor Sri Lestari said the defendant sexually assaulted his student in May at the school, and later sexually assaulted her several more times.

However, the student has admitted that she is too afraid to step forward and tell anyone about the incidents, including her parents and friends.

Nearby residents had discovered the teacher's actions, and Solihin was "dragged" by them to the office of the village head where he was tried by local residents.

"Security personnel then came to his rescue as the mob tried to vent their anger on his boarding school. Police come to prevent any anarchy," Sri Lestari quoted the witnesses as saying. (emf)