Researchers stand trial for striking lecturer

Researchers stand trial for striking lecturer

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

Two brothers, both researchers at the University of Indonesia
stood trial at the Cibinong District Court on Wednesday for
punching a fellow lecturer who was standing between the two and
their father's opponents.

Defendants Herryansah Iberamsjah, 29, a researcher in social
and political studies, and Nirwansyah Iberamsjah, 23, a
researcher in law and technology, are charged with attacking a
lecturer Reny Chandriachsja Suwarso, 38, of the School of Social
and Political Studies.

Prosecutor Kosasih argued that the two were guilty of
violating Article 351 of the Criminal Code on assault. If found
guilty, the two could face a maximum punishment of 32 months in
prison.

The case revolves around the rejection by lecturers and
students of the appointment of Iberamsjah senior, the brothers'
father, as head of Political Studies Department on Sept. 23,
2003, which they said was not in accordance with regulations.

According to witnesses, demonstrating students consulted Reny
as to whether they could attend the installment ceremony that
day, who asked them to be quiet while inside the hall.

As Reny approached security guards to ask whether the students
could come inside the hall, he ran into Herryansah who suddenly
hit him. At the same time, Nirwansyah attacked two students:
Rheinhard Sirait and Yudi Fajar M. Wahyu.

Presiding judge Djoko Suseno adjourned the trial until April
14 to hear more witnesses.