Hegel abduction case opens

The trial of the kidnappers of eight-year-old Muhamad Hegel Muthaharri began on Monday at Tangerang District Court.

The prosecution charged the four defendants who appeared at court with violating Article 330 of the Criminal Code on abducting minors, which carries a maximum seven-year sentence.

None of the four defendants were accompanied by lawyers.

The four, along with two others who are still at large, abducted Hegel from his school on July 29 at the Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing compound as collateral for his father's Rp 4 billion (US$470,588) debt.

Presiding judge Taryono adjourned the session until next week, when the defense would be heard. -- JP