Court to proceed with student activists' trial

JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court decided on Tuesday to continue the trial of two student activists for allegedly provoking the public to demonstrate against the government during a rally staged over three months ago.

Presiding judge Abdul Majid Rahmi rejected objections from defendants Mixilmina Munir, 25, and Aris Wardoyo, 22, as well as their lawyers, during a hearing attended by over 200 supporters of the defendants.

Abdul said that there was no indication that the police had forced Mixilmina, a leader of City Forum (Forkot) and student of the State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN), to sign statements.

"As a university student, the defendant should know that signing a statement means he admits that the statement was made without any force, because it is stated there," he said.

The court also rejected argument from the lawyers that the police had abused the defendants.

The defendants' supporters became rowdy and yelled out when Abdul said that the court would proceed with the trial, while Mixilmina and Aris stood on a chair and conducted a speech, saying there was no justice for people in this so-called democratic country.

The defendants are charged with violating Article 160 of the Criminal Code relating to provoking members of the public against the government. The article carries a maximum sentence of six years in jail.

Prosecutor Lukimanto accused the defendants of provoking the public during a rally outside the Lebak Bulus bus station in South Jakarta on June 16 protesting fuel price increases.

Abdul said that the trial would be held two days a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to accelerate the legal process as both defendants had been in jail since June 17.

At the beginning of the trial, the defendants' supporters held banners stating "release our friends", and sang outside the court after police officers and court security guards initially banned them from entering the building.

The police later let them into the courtroom while maintaining a high level of security for the judges and clerks. Last week, the trial turned chaotic when police clashed with lawyers and students.(04)