Soeripto graft trial begins

PEKANBARU, Riau: Amid tight security, former Riau governor Soeripto stood trial on Thursday at the Pekanbaru District Court for alleged graft committed during his tenure.

Dozens of armed police were seen guarding the court building, but no incident broke out during the two-hour hearing.

Prosecutors accused Soeripto of embezzling shore reclamation fees he imposed on all companies operating in the province, totaling Rp 11 billion (US$1.2 million). Instead of transferring the money to the provincial administration, he put it in his own bank account.

The trial was adjourned to July 18 after Soeripto's lawyers told the court that the accusations were vague and baseless, and, therefore, the judges should acquit their clients from all charges. -- Antara