Death penalty sought for Poso riot instigators

PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): A state prosecutor demanded on Thursday that the Palu District Court impose the death penalty on three men charged with instigating the Poso sectarian clash which claimed hundreds of lives last year.

During the case's 14th court hearing, prosecutor Lantara said that Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus Da Silva and Marinus Riwu were guilty of violating Article 340 of the Criminal Code, relating to premeditated murder, which is punishable by death.

Thousands of visitors, who had been crowding the court building from 6 a.m. local time, silently listened to the prosecutor read his 92-page sentence demand.

They burst into cheers, yelling and clapping their hands in joy when the prosecutor requested that the death penalty be imposed on the defendants.

Strangely, defendant Martinus also clapped his hands and smiled, while Dominggus and Fabianus looked anxious upon hearing the prosecutor's statement.

"All 26 people taking the witness stand have revealed the roles of the three defendants in a series murders between May 24 and Sept. 20 last year," Lantara said.

The testimonies in favor of the defendants, made by witnesses presented by the defense lawyers, had also implicated the defendants. The witnesses had clearly described the defendants' role in the interreligious clashes in the district of Poso.

"Based on the witnesses' (for the defendants) statements, we conclude that the defendants violated Article 338 of the Criminal Code on murder or causing death. They deserve the death penalty," said the prosecutor.

Last year's fierce clash between Christians and Muslims in Tentena, Poso district, claimed at least 300 lives.

The defendants' attorney Robert Bofe asked the panel of judges, presided over by Soedarmo, for two weeks to prepare defense statements.

The court visitors responded to the lawyer's request with jeering and vulgar comments.

Judge Soedarmo gave only one week to the defense lawyer, saying, "The trial has consumed much time. Please use the one week as well as possible."

As in previous sessions, the visitors turned violent as the defendants left the court building in a paddy wagon, pelting the vehicle with stones. (24/sur)