Jail term sought for two legislative candidates

Prosecutors demanded Friday the Tangerang District Court sentence two legislative candidates to seven months in prison and fine them Rp 7 million (US$600) for violating the law on General Elections.

"The defendants are guilty of violating Articles 270 and 284 of the law and therefore they must be held responsible," prosecutor Alvin Oktarizah told the hearing, presided over by judge Arthut Hengawa.

This is the first such case tried by the Tangerang district court.

The defendants, both of the National Mandate Party (PAN) are Dedy Rustandi, nominated to represent Banten in the House of Representatives and Dewi Pertiwi Eka, a representative of the Kresek district vying for seat on the Tangerang regental council.

According to the prosecutor, the defendants conducted their political campaign in a small mosque in Jenkol village, Kresek district on Feb. 12. Dedy Rustandy was also spotted using a car belonging to the Tangerang municipal administration for campaign purposes.

"Holding a campaign event in the worship house and using the administration's car for campaigning clearly violates the law," Alvin said.

The law stipulates that schools, university campuses, places of worship and government offices are not to be used for campaign activities. The violations were reported by Tangerang election commission to the police on Feb. 13. The police have followed up the report and questioned the defendants before sending dossiers to the prosecutor's office.

In his defence, Dedy said that he did nothing against the law and said he suspected other candidates plotted to prevent him from running for election.

The panel of judges postponed the hearing until Monday.