Riot trials almost complete

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The Banjarmasin District Court has settled 53 of 59 lawsuits relating to massive riots which rocked the town just before the general election in May.

The riot left more than 123 people dead, most of them trapped in buildings that caught fire.

The district court convicted 82 people in connection with the riots, either for looting, carrying sharp weapons, or resisting arrest, Zainal Baso, a spokesman for the court, said.

Sentences ranged from 13 days to 18 months' imprisonment, Zainal said.

The mass trials proceeded smoothly because defendants admitted their wrongdoings, he said. (emb)