'SCTV' asks time for defense

'SCTV' asks time for defense

JAKARTA: The defense team for private television station SCTV
asked for more time on Thursday to prepare their arguments to
counter the lawsuit filed by the station's former producer Dandhy
Dwi Laksono.

"We need to rewrite our defense in accordance with the latest
rules made by the Jakarta Committee for the Settlement of Labor
Disputes," lawyer Marisa Iskandar said.

She declined to elaborate further.

Dandhy is suing the channel over his dismissal and for
hindering his duties as a journalist. He is demanding the station
apologize publicly in 16 national print and electronic media and
pay Rp 4.3 billion (US$505,882) in compensation.

The accused are SCTV President Director Lani Ratulangie
Rahardja, Chief Editor Karni Ilyas and Senior Manager R.
Nurjaman.

Dandhy became the station's morning news producer under a six-
month contract from Nov. 25, 2002 to May 24, 2003.

The court was adjourned until next Tuesday. -- JP