Man shows anger at verdict

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A prosecutor has reported to the city police that a man, discontent with the sentence of 16-year jail term for murdering a dentist, hurled a chair at him, Antara reported yesterday.

In his report, prosecutor Edward Sianturi said that the humiliating, contemptuous act not only tarnished his name, but also belittled lawyers in general.

Hermansyah, 20, was proven guilty of murdering dentist James Ismunandar Halim, 52, in October 1995. Hermansyah also stole Rp 400,000 (US$172) and 4 grams of gold accessories from the dentist. The prosecutor had demanded that the court sentenced Hermansyah to 18 years in jail.

When the Medan District Court's team of judges, presided over by Judge Djulijar, delivered the verdict on June 5, Hermansyah picked up the metal chair on which he was sitting and threw it at the prosecutor.

Edward ducked and was able to avoid the flying chair which instead hit a window.

"If he was not satisfied with the ruling, he could have appealed rather than blame the prosecutor for the sentence. After all, it is the judge who made the decision," Edward said. (14)