Trials open on Medan riots

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two men were arraigned at Medan District Court yesterday for vandalism during a workers' riot in April. They are the first of 83 suspects to be prosecuted in connection with the riot that left one businessman dead and dozens of factories destroyed.

Their first move in court yesterday was to remove the power of attorney they gave to the Medan Legal Aid Institute LBH), saying that they were "forced" to sign the letters of authorization. The two men said they did not want to be represented, Antara reported.

The judge however said that an attorney would be appointed by the court if they were unable to choose one for themselves. The team of LBH lawyers was then asked to leave the courtroom.

The hearing drew a large crowd yesterday, including Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the Indonesian Prosperity Labor Union which has been blamed for inciting the riots. (emb)