Doyok's lawyer asks charges be dropped

TANGERANG (JP): The lawyer for noted comedian Sudharmaji, alias Doyok, on trial for the possession of drugs, asked a panel of judges at the Tangerang District Court on Wednesday to dismiss all charges against his client.

With Doyok in tears for almost the entire session, lawyer Asjier said the charges should be dropped because the Criminal Code did not clearly define what was meant by the "possession" of drugs.

"The code gives no descriptive explanation or limitations for the meaning of 'possessing', but in judicial practice it is defined as carrying, using and selling (drugs). Then, did the 0.5 gram (packet) of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), which was weighed at 0.12 grams, belong to the defendant?" the lawyer asked the panel of judges, led by Rukmini.

The lawyer also said the Rp 150,000 Doyok gave to Rizal Indra Kresna was to reimburse him for the travel expenses he incurred in purchasing spare parts for Doyok's car. He emphasized that the money was not for drugs.

The courtroom was packed with visitors, including fellow comedian Tarzan.

While the comedian insisted the shabu-shabu in question did not belong to him, he admitted he was wrong to become involved in drugs.

"I very much regret becoming involved in the use of drugs. I never imagined things would go so wrong, especially being locked up in a cell. I truly regret this and ask for the judge's forgiveness," Doyok said after the hearing.

The prosecutors have asked that Doyok be sentenced to 15 months in jail and be fined Rp 300,000 for the possession of 0.5 grams of shabu-shabu.

The trial was adjourned until Monday, at which time the judges are expected to read their verdict. (41/edt)