Killer couple sentenced

Killer couple sentenced

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A man and his wife were sentenced yesterday for the murder of another couple.

Judges in the Meulaboh District Court sentenced Amir Hamzah bin Cut Ahmad to 20 years for the murder of Sabirin and his wife Nurhanisah almost eight months ago.

Amir's wife, Agustina binti M. Yahya, got 15 years for helping Amir commit the murder.

The punishment imposed on Amir was five years longer than the penalty sought by prosecutor M. Syahbuddin.

The panel of judges, presided over by Luthfia Hanum, said in their verdict that Amir, an employee of a local private company who is also known as a faith healer, murdered Sabirin and Nurhanisah at his home in late April after the couple caught him molesting their 17-year-old daughter.

Thousands of people who packed the courtroom clapped their hands to welcome the verdicts, Antara reported. Both Amir and Agustina said they would appeal. (amd)