Trials open on Medan riots

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)