Edy admits to hiding evidence

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Sec. Adj. Insp. Edy Wuryanto, who is being tried by the military tribunal here for concealing evidence in the murder of local journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, also known as Udin, admitted to the panel of judges that he had taken and concealed a notebook belonging to Udin.

In the second day of his trial, Edy, a detective at the National Police headquarters, said that he had no idea where the notebook was now.

"I think I have lost it. It's been five years since the investigation took place," the defendant told the court, presided over by Col. Hani Sumarni.

Prosecutor Col. Roesdi said that the defendant had violated Article 417 of the Criminal Code on power abuse, which carries a maximum punishment of five-and-a-half years imprisonment, and Article 372 on concealing evidence, bearing a maximum punishment of four years in jail.

The military prosecutors also accused Edy of violating Article 203, line 1, of the Military Criminal Code on trespassing command.

The prosecutor revealed that Edy had hidden Udin's notebook which was believed to contain notes regarding an alleged corruption case involving the then Bantul regent.

Edy's trial had previously been suspended for 10 months. He was scheduled to attend a trial on Sept. 19 and 21, 2000, but failed to show up, without providing any clear explanation. Edy has been in the custody of Yogyakarta police since July 13.

The trial was adjourned until July 31. (swa/44)