PAN legislative candidate goes on trial

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Kendari district court began hearing a case on Monday involving alleged school diploma forgery in the run-up to the legislative election here.

During the opening session, prosecutor Harun accused La Ido Rhonda, a legislative candidate from the National Mandate Party (PAN) of using a fake school diploma in his bid to contest the upcoming election.

The prosecutor charged the defendant with having violated Article 137 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail and a Rp 6 million fine.

The trial was adjourned until next week to hear submissions from the defense. -- JP