Over 4,000 convicts get reduced sentences

MEDAN, North Sumatra: A total 4,378 Muslim convicts currently being jailed in prisons across North Sumatra will get their sentences reduced during Idul Fitri, a senior government official said on Saturday.

With the reduced sentences, 148 inmates would soon be released, said Lukas Tarigan, the chief of Corrections section at the Department of Justice and Human Rights's North Sumatra branch.

The ministry normally grants reduced sentences during religious holidays such as Idul Fitri, Christmas and on Aug. 17, Indonesian Independence Day. -- JP