Death sentence on shaman upheld

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A high court here upheld the death sentence given out by a lower court against 45-year-old shaman Ahmad Suradji, alias Datuk, for the premeditated murder of 42 women between 1987 and 1997, Antara reported yesterday.

The death sentence against his 40-year-old wife, Tumini -- his accomplice in the crimes committed in Deli Serdang 25 kilometers east of here -- was reduced to life imprisonment.

It was not reported when the execution would take place.

Datuk, who claimed to have killed the women to strengthen his magical powers, was arrested last year following a father's report to police that his daughter had disappeared after she went to the shaman's house for treatment.

Datuk buried all his victims in a cane plantation 40 meters from his house. (aan)