Graft suspects walk free

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 10/19/2007 11:12 AM

PADANG, West Sumatra: The chief justice of the Supreme Court has overturned a judgment against 10 former members of the West Sumatra Legislative Council who were alleged to have misappropriated Rp 5.9 billion (approximately US$642,000) in funds from the 2002 provincial budget.

According to a West Sumatra High Court verdict last year, the 10 were to serve four-year jail terms and each pay a Rp 200 million fine.

The head of the West Sumatra High Court, Suparno, said Thursday he was informed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Bagir Manan of the court's decision on Oct. 11.

He said the appeal was handled by a panel of judges presided over by Bagir, which included Iskandar Kamil and Joko Sarwoko.

""The decision released all defendants from all charges,"" Suparno said, adding that he did not know the reason behind the court's decision. -- JP

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