Hard-line leaders could face two years in prison

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 10/14/2008 10:16 AM  |  Headlines

Prosecutors on Monday demanded a two-year prison sentence for hard-line Islamic leaders Rizieq Shihab and Munarman for their alleged involvement in an attack on a peaceful rally in June.

In separate hearings at the Central Jakarta District Court, defense lawyers said there was no convincing evidence to convict the men, and added they would prepare their rebuttals for next week's hearing.

Rizieq, chairman of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), is accused of masterminding the attack on members of the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB) during a rally promoting religious tolerance at the National Monument (Monas) park on June 1.

Munarman, leader of the Islam Troop Command (KLI), was allegedly involved directly in the attack, in which 70 people were injured. He has been charged with committing violence against people and objects.

Reading out the charges against Rizieq, Nurlini, one of four prosecutors at the trial, said: "He is guilty of instigating other people (his followers) to commit violence... as stated in the Criminal Code."

Rizieq's lawyers said their client did not have prior knowledge about the attack, and the evidence presented by the prosecutors was not convincing.

"They put some people on the eyewitness list, and these people never testified in court," defense lawyer Ary Yusuf Hamir said.

He also objected to prosecutors' request for the judge to consider statements made during police interrogations of FPI members. The FPI members later withdrew their statements linking the attack to Rizieq.

"The prosecutors still want to use the statements, although they were withdrawn because they were made under pressure and force (from the police)," Ary said. "Only statements made in court can be used in the judgment."

The prosecutors urged the judge to consider the statements, saying police interrogators had testified in court that they did not put pressure on the FPI members to give false testimony.

Judge Manusunan Harahap, who presided over the two hearings, adjourned the trial until Oct. 22 to give defense lawyers enough time to prepare for their rebuttal.

Even if found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison, neither defendant will serve out the full term, having already served time since their detention in June. (mri)

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