Trial of bombing suspects begins

BANDUNG: The separate trials of the two main suspects in a Christmas Eve bombing here began at the Bandung District Court on Thursday.

The defendants, Aceng Suhari and Iqbal, have been charged with violating Emergency Law No. 12/1951, which carries a maximum sentence of death, and Article 188 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Eleven other suspects, including Agus Kurniawan and Milliard, are on trial for their allegedly involvement in the bombing. The suspects were arrested after a bomb exploded in their welding shop on Jl. Terusan Antapani on Dec. 24, 2000.

Similar charges also have been filed against Ayat Hidayat, Effendi, Abdul Hadi, Piping Nitidimaja, Nana Suryana, Karso Abdul Fatih, Maman Kamudin, Nana Hamdani and Otang.

Aceng's trial is being presided over by judge Hazli Saleh, while Iqbal's trial is being presided over by judges Sudrajat and Samiun Yahya.

Both trials were adjourned for two weeks, at which time the defenses will deliver their statements. Lawyers from Bandung's Legal Aid Foundation are leading the defenses for both suspects. (25/edt)