Huzrin admitted to hospital

BATAM, Riau: Former Riau Islands regent Huzrin Hood's appeal over his graft conviction was turned down by the Supreme Court on Friday but Huzrin was temporarily released from custody eight hours later on health grounds.

Huzrin, convicted of corruption offenses, was sent to Tanjung Pinang Hospital after he complained he was short of breath.

He was sentenced to two years in jail by a local district court here for irregularities in the Riau Islands Regency 2001 and 2002 budgets, totaling Rp 3.4 billion (US$357,894). It is not known when Huzrin will go back to jail. -- JP