Goenawan's verdict postponed

Goenawan's verdict postponed

JAKARTA: The East Jakarta District Court postponed on
Wednesday the handing down of the verdict of a civil lawsuit
filed by well-connected businessman Tomy Winata against Tempo
cofounder Goenawan Mohammad as the judge has yet to finish
writing up the verdict.

Presiding judge Zaenal Arifin Sangadji said he needed more
time to wrap up the verdict because he had been busy attending
meetings at the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice and
Human Rights for the preparation for the proposed new judicial
system.

Darwin Aritonang, Goenawan's attorney, was dissatisfied with
the delay. "We've been waiting for the verdict for two weeks, and
must wait another week."

Tomy sued PT Tempo Inti Media and demanded US$14.6 million in
compensation for publishing a statement issued by Goenawan, who
likened him to a thug. He requested the court to seize Goenawan's
house.

The judge adjourned the trial on May 17. -- JP