Prosecutors unmoved over Tibo

PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): The team of prosecutors stood firm by their demand on Tuesday for the death penalty for three defendants charged with instigating the Poso riots, which claimed hundreds of lives last year.

The prosecutors, represented by Latara, reiterated their demand soon after the lawyers of Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva and Marinus Riwu, read their defense statements.

"Based on witnesses' testimony, the three defendants were guilty of violating Article 340 of the Criminal Code, relating to premeditated murder, which is punishable by death," prosecutor Latara told the panel of judges presided over by Soedarmo.

The prosecutors had earlier told the court that the defendants had played an active role in the sectarian clash which took place between May 24 and Sept. 20 last year.

Tuesday's court hearing began with the lawyers' defense statements.

The lawyers, Robert Bofe, Felix Manurung and Elvis, taking turns to read the 139-page rebuttal, asked the court to hand down as light a punishment as possible to the defendants.

Thousands of visitors packed the grounds of the court building shouting abuses at both the defendants and their lawyers. (24/sur)