Rachmad Buchori released from jail

Rachmad Buchori released from jail

JAKARTA (JP): Rachmad Buchori, currently on trial for defaming
President Soeharto, was released from Cipinang Prison yesterday
because his detention period had expired.

Rachmad's lawyer, Johnson Panjaitan, expressed surprise that
the South Jakarta District Court did not extend the detention
period again.

"We are surprised, it's beyond our expectations," he said.

Rachmad Buchori alias Buyung, 34, personal secretary of former
politician Soebadio Sastrosatomo, was charged with defaming the
President through his involvement in the publishing of a banned
book titled Era Baru Pemimpin Baru, Badio Menolak Rekayasa Regim
Orde Baru (New Era, New Order -- Badio Rejects the New Order
Regime's Engineering).

The book was written by Soebadio, 78, the founder of the now
defunct Indonesian Socialist Party. Soebadio allegedly dictated
the script while Buyung typed it.

On March 4, the Attorney General's Office banned the 22-page
book saying it could provoke unrest and create a negative image
of the government.

Buyung had been detained at Cipinang Prison, East Jakarta,
since March 20. His initial detention period of 30 days had been
extended four times.

There was no explanation why the court did not extend his
detention for another 30 days.

Buyung's court case continues again today. (05)