Defamation case trial to go on

Defamation case trial to go on

JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court decided
yesterday to continue trying a lawyer charged with defaming Akbar
Tandjung, the minister of public housing.

Heri S. Kolopaking is accused of spreading false information
last year about what he called Akbar's illegal selling of a piece
of land belonging to his clients.

In response to the defense lawyers' claim that only the
honorary council of Ikadin, the advocates association, had the
right to reprimand a lawyer for his actions in defending his
client, judge Tjok Darmowati said the court had legal authority
over the defendant.

The judge also rejected the lawyers' claim that the
prosecution was careless in the indictment and had not said who
was defamed.

"Akbar Tandjung was clearly mentioned in the indictment," she
said.

The indictment, read at the first hearing last month, said the
defendant told a press conference in April 1996 that Akbar had
sold land without the owners' permission.

The story was printed in the Media Indonesia and Merdeka
dailies, and Tiras magazine, the indictment said.

The trial was adjourned until next week. (13)