Prosecutor faces justice in bribery case

Prosecutor faces justice in bribery case

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A prosecutor here is set to face
justice for allegedly deceiving a defendant during a court case
recently in the city of Palembang.

Sobli Manan, the prosecutor, is alleged to have offered
Syamsiah, the father-in-law of defendant Yusbandi, a significant
reduction in the 12-month sentencing recommendation that he would
otherwise make against Yusbandi, who was being tried on charges
of stealing a motorcycle.

In return, Syamsiah was to pay Rp 15 million (US$1,595) to
Sobli. Syamsiah gave the prosecutor Rp 2.3 million, all the money
that he had. However, during the trial the prosecutor recommended
10 months in jail for Yusbandi, only two months less than the
threatened recommendation of 12 months. This angered Syamsiah,
who had expected the prosecution to recommend a sentence of
between only five and six months for Yusbandi in return for the
bribe that had been paid by Syamsiah.

Feeling deceived by the prosecutor, Syamsiah complained to the
South Sumatra Prosecutor's Office, which promised to investigate
the case. -- JP