Huzrin asks for city arrest status

Riau Island regent Huzrin Hood proposed to the Riau High Court on Monday to allow him city arrest status, a request which was made only two days after the regent was put under house arrest by the same court.

If the high court grants me the city arrest status, it would help me to carry out my duties, said Huzrin, who was sent to prison 10 days ago by the Tanjung Pinang District Court.

"I could do my job while I was in prison, as all letters that I had to sign could be brought to the prison.

The house arrest has made it possible to accomplish much more work, but it would be much more convenient if the court gives me a city arrest status," Huzrin said, quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Under city arrest, the convicted regent will be allowed to tour the city to carry out his duties.

Huzrin was jailed by the Tanjung Pinang District Court for two years on charges of corruption involving Rp 3.46 billion (US$407,058) from the regency's budget in 2001.

The district court in Riau province also ordered Huzrin on Thursday to pay a Rp 200 million fine and repay the money he stole for personal gain.

Huzrin filed an appeal to the Riau High Court right after the verdict in early October, and the High Court bowed on his appeal and granted him house arrest status on Saturday.

Despite being convicted in the graft case, Huzrin is still in office, as the governor and the home minister has not issued a letter suspending him.