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