Man seeks 11th hour reprieve

SURABAYA, East Java: J.A. Pratikno, who was sentenced to death for the murder of Marine Lt. Col. Purwanto and his family, yesterday applied for a new hearing of his case just as rumors grew stronger that his execution was imminent.

His lawyers filed the petition at the Surabaya district court.

According his legal counselor, Soetedja Djajasasmita, Prajitno's case was not conducted according to the proper legal procedure and the court applied incorrect legal provisions.

Antara reported that Soetedja argued that, under article 89 and 90 of the Criminal Code, Prajitno's case should have been tried by a panel of both civilian and military judges.

Pratikno, together with his wife and son, were all sentenced to death for the brutal murder in 1989.

Rumors that they were about to be executed followed President Soeharto's rejection in July of their request for clemency, which is usually regarded as the last chance of gaining a reprieve.

However, the family's lawyers have since been exploring the possibility of applying for a new trial, pointing to certain inconsistencies at the trial.

Pratikno's wife and son are also reportedly considering seeking a new trial. (mds)