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)