'Tempo' vs Texmaco verdict delayed

'Tempo' vs Texmaco verdict delayed

JAKARTA: The panel of judges at the Central Jakarta District
Court failed to deliver on Wednesday the most-awaited verdict on
defamation suit filed by Texmaco group owner Marimutu Sinivasan
against Tempo magazine as one of panel members was absent.

Presiding Judge Sylvester Djuma told the courtroom that judge
Herry Swantoro was on leave and therefore the panel could not
deliver the verdict.

"Because of the absence of one of the panel member, the trial
is adjourned until Nov. 19," Sylvester said to the courtroom
packed with journalists, including Tempo chief editor Bambang
Harymurti and former chairman of Press Council, Atmakusumah
Astraatmadja.

Marimutu, chairman of the ailing Texmaco group filed a lawsuit
against the weekly for publishing about 50 articles that, he
alleged, had tarnished his image and businesses. He demanded the
weekly to pay US$51 million in compensation.

Tempo fought back and sued the businessman for obstructing the
press freedom with the lawsuit. The lawyers sought a financial
compensation of $100 million. -- JP