Newmont verdict in Manado delayed

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Manado District Court delayed delivering its verdict against an environmental activist accused of having defamed mining company PT Newmont Minahasa Raya.

Presiding judge Erna Matuseja said that one of the members of the judicial panel could not be present for personal reasons, and that the court would reconvene on July 25. Erna said that Judge Lenny Wati was currently visiting a sick relative in Timika, Papua.

The court session itself was marred by a disturbance. Hundreds of supporters of defendant Dr. Rignolda Djamaluddin staged a protest outside the courtroom, demanding that the acquit Rignolda, who is the chairman of the Kelola Foundation in Manado.

Rignolda was prosecuted for allegedly defaming PT Newmont Minahasa Raya in January. The defendant accused Newmont of polluting Buyat Bay. -- JP