Ellyas' trial begins in W. Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The West Jakarta District Court began on Thursday the trial of former world boxing champion Ellyas Pical, who was arrested at the Miles discotheque in West Jakarta in July after allegedly selling three ecstasy pills to undercover police.

Prosecutor Andi Irma said Ellyas risked a maximum sentence of 15 years and Rp 150 million fine if it was proven the pills belonged to Indonesia's first world boxing champion.

"We have sufficient evidence that Ellyas was in possession of three ecstasy pills. Article 59 of Law No. 39/1947 on drugs and Article 55 of Law No. 22/1997 on psychotropic stipulate a minimum sentence of four years and a maximum 15 years," Andi said.

Another suspect Lisdiana, who was arrested with Ellyas, was also charged under the same laws.

In their indictment, prosecutors said that Lisdiana entrusted three blue ecstasy pills to Ellyas which he sold to three undercover police who nabbed him on July 13. Police arrested Lisdiana not long after.

A laboratory test at the National Police Headquarters confirmed the tablets were ecstasy pills.

According to prosecutors, the ecstasy belonged to Silvi, another suspect who is still at large.

Ellyas, frequently smiled during the trial and refused to answer questions from reporters before and after. His wife, Rina Siahaya, was also present.

Ellyas' lawyer Hamid Hussen said that his client was innocent.

"I don't want to argue with what the prosecutors have said. The more important thing is to prepare the best arguments for the next hearing," he said.

Hamid said the defense would present a number of witnesses, that would show his client's innocence, including Silvi.

Presiding judge Muljanto decided to adjourn the trial until Sept. 22.

Ellyas held the International Boxing Federation's super flyweight title from 1985 until 1989. After retiring from boxing in the early 1990s he began working as a bouncer.