Defendants in Bank Branch Manager Case to Submit Plea on Thursday

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Three defendants involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder of a bank branch manager, identified by the initials MIP (37), along with their legal counsel, will submit their plea on Thursday afternoon (21/5).

“The legal counsel will submit the plea on Thursday afternoon, 21 May, at 1:00 PM, following the midday break, as there are scheduled activities in the morning,” stated Chief Judge Colonel Chk Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto during the sentencing hearing at the Military Court II-08 Jakarta on Monday.

Initially, the Military Court panel, led by Chief Judge Colonel Chk Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto, provided the defendants with the opportunity to determine their stance regarding the indictment previously read by the Military Prosecutor.

During the trial, the Chief Judge emphasised that the defendants hold the right to submit a defence, request a reduction in sentence, or choose not to submit any plea at all.

“The defendants have the right to respond; please consult with your legal counsel to decide whether to submit a defence, request a lighter sentence, or make no submission at all,” said Fredy.

The judge even permitted the defendants to consult directly with their legal team immediately following the sentencing hearing. Several chairs in the courtroom were moved to allow the defendants to discuss the matter more closely with their lawyers.

In response to the directive, the defendants’ legal counsel stated they would submit their plea during the next session.

“With your honour’s permission, we will submit a plea,” the legal counsel stated before the panel of judges.

“Understood, your honour,” replied the Military Prosecutor.