Debt collectors stand trial

Debt collectors stand trial

JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court began trying two debt collectors on Monday for kidnapping and torturing a businessman.

Prosecutor J. Kamaru told the court that Victor Laiskodat, 30, Petrus Belen, 31, and two other suspects kidnapped businessman Sulaiman Iskandar Ramli (known as Hans) from his house on Jl.Kemang Selatan, South Jakarta on May 12 this year.

Another suspect, Alfons Loemau is waiting to be tried for the offense. Yeri Saelanis is still at large.

The prosecutor said the kidnappers dragged the victim to the Manari restaurant on Jl. Gatot Subroto. John M. Palinggi, to whom the victim owes Rp 500 million, was waiting for him in the restaurant.

The defendants tortured Hans after he failed to pay his debt, and left him on Jl.Senopati, the prosecutor added.

He said that the defendants violated article 328 of the Criminal Code and can be sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The trial was adjourned until Friday.(29)