No more 'holidays' for graft suspects

JAKARTA: The Anti-corruption Court announced on Tuesday that there would be no temporary "vacations" for graft suspects in connection with the Idul Fitri holiday next week.

Judge Dudu Duswara said the court would stick to the law, which requires the special court to settle a case within 90 days.

The court, however, will be closed from Oct. 27 to Nov. 14 to allow its staff to celebrate the Islamic holiday. Other state employees are entitled to two weeks leave for the year.

Among defendants who have requested a temporary release, are General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Nazaruddin Syamsuddin and KPU member Rusadi Kantaprawira.

Last year, the North Jakarta District Court and South Jakarta District Court allowed businessman Nurdin Halid and former State Logistics Agency head Beddu Amang, respectively to celebrate the holiday outside their jail cells. -- JP