Datuk's trial to begin this month

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The trial of Achmad Suraji, who is suspected of killing at least 42 women, will begin on Dec. 22 at the Lubuk Pakam District Court.

Muhammad Nasution, a spokesman for the court, said last Thursday that Judge H. Harefa would preside over the hearings with T. Simanjuntak as prosecutor.

Achmad, alias Nasib Kelewang or Datuk, has admitted killing 42 women since 1986 to preserve his supposed supernatural powers. He claimed he wanted to kill 70.

All the bodies were found buried in a sugarcane plantation in Aman Damai village, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra.

Achmad would be charged with manslaughter, Antara reported. (mds)