Matori to testify at Tarmo's trial

Matori to testify at Tarmo's trial

JAKARTA (JP): National Awakening Party chairman Matori Abdul
Djalil is expected to appear at the South Jakarta District Court
next Wednesday as a witness in the hearing of a man charged with
complicity in the attempted murder of Matori on March 5.

Prosecutor Abdul Kamar Badrun announced on Wednesday that the
court would present at least 20 witnesses, including Matori as
the victim, to testify in connection with the case.

According to the charges, defendant Achmad Tazul Arifin, alias
Sabar, 33, and accomplice Sarmo, alias Tarmo, attempted to murder
Matori.

Tarmo was lynched by residents and ojek (motorcycle taxi)
drivers in the Jagakarsa area for not paying for a ride shortly
after attacking Matori at his house in Pasar Minggu.

Police have named two other men, identified as Zulfikar and
Assadullah, as the prime suspects in the case who are still at
large.

During the hearing on Wednesday presided over by Judge
Munawir, prosecutor Badrun said the defendant had violated either
Article 340 of the Criminal Code on premeditated murder, which
carries the death sentence or life imprisonment; Article 355 on
premeditated attempt to cause serious bodily harm, which carries
a maximum sentence of 12 years imprisonment; or Article 1 of
Emergency Law No. 12/1951 on the possession of a weapon without a
permit, which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment.

Matori was injured in the head and hand. (ylt)