Students' trial turns chaotic

Students' trial turns chaotic

JAKARTA (JP): The trial of two student activists in South
Jakarta District Court turned chaotic as the defendants and their
lawyers walked out after the presiding judge banned the students'
supporters from entering the tightly guarded courtroom.

The incident happened shortly after presiding judge Abdul
Majid Rahmi opened the trial of Mixil Mina Munir, 22, and Arif
Wardoyo, 25, who are charged with provoking violent
demonstrations against the fuel price hike last June.

Outside the courtroom, a fierce exchange took place between
about 200 students and dozens of police officers.

Meanwhile, lawyers Mangapul Silalahi, Laka Dodo, Aris Setiono
and Reinhard went upstairs to the second floor of the court
building to meet the court chief, Lalu Mariyun. However, they
were blocked by a number of police officers, who later hit the
lawyers as they insisted on seeing the judge.(04)