Rapists face 10-year jail term

Rapists face 10-year jail term

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Prosecutors have demanded a 10-year jail term for two youths suspected of raping a teacher in the Central Kalimantan capital of Palangka Raya.

Prosecutor Edwin K. Asih told the Palangka Raya District Court on Tuesday that he had proven Hendrie, 33, and Mas Irawan, 34, guilty of sexually assaulting the teacher on two occasions, identified only by her initials as IR, 34.

The suspects were also found guilty of bearing sharp weapons during the rapes, which both occurred in June 2001, Edwin said.

Irawan's lawyer immediately rejected the demand, saying it was too severe and that Hendrie, the prime suspect, should have faced a heavier sentence than his client.

But legal expert Rio said the proposed sentence was too lenient.

"Rapists should be punished much heavier than murderers because their deed has caused long-term suffering for the victims," he said.

The judges adjourned the trial until Dec. 3, when defense pleas from the defendants' lawyers will be heard. --Antara