Court asked to exonerate teacher of murder charges

Court asked to exonerate teacher of murder charges

JAKARTA (JP): A teacher being tried for killing a police major asked the East Jakarta District Court yesterday to be cleared of all charges.

Lawyer Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan said that his client Baskoni Wahab stabbed Maj. Noenang, who was not in uniform, in self defense.

"The victim slapped the defendant in the face before the defendant stabbed him," Luhut said at the trial, which was presided over by Judge Toni Hartono.

"Baskoni had no intention of fighting, attacking or killing the victim," Luhut said.

According to the prosecution, Baskoni Wahab stabbed Noenang in the stomach at 7:30 p.m on July 14 following a heated quarrel, which began after Noenang's car bumped up against the bajaj carrying Baskoni.

Baskoni called Noenang 'anjing' (dog) and told the bajaj driver to keep going.

"Which means Baskoni tried to avoid a fight with the victim, who chased the bajaj for a kilometer. Noenang then stopped the bajaj and slapped the defendant inside. Baskoni reacted, pulled out a knife and stabbed Noenang" Luhut said.

Bajaj is a three-wheel, motorized passenger transportation vehicle.

Baskoni shouldn't be the only one taking responsibility for his death, Luhut said. The bad traffic and the late medical treatment of Noenang are other factors, he said.

Noenang died in hospital in less than an hour after losing too much blood. (29)