Rioters trials open today

SITUBONDO, East Java: The trials of 54 people suspected of inciting the Oct. 10 riots here and in the nearby Banongan district start today, Antara reported Saturday.

The head of the Situbondo District Court, Eman Tantri, said two parallel sessions will be held to try those accused of the attacks on churches in Situbondo, while a third is being held for those accused of destroying sugar cane plants in a land dispute in Banongan.

"We will handle the two cases in marathon sessions and plan to finish before the end of the month," Tantri was quoted as saying.

Scores of buildings, including churches, were burned and five people were killed in the riot in Situbondo. (08)