Former N. Sumatera legislator faces lifetime in prison for protest

Apriadi Gunawan ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Medan   |  Tue, 07/28/2009 6:02 PM  |  National

Former legislator Chandra Panggabean is facing a possible lifetime in prison for his alleged role in a violent protest that led to the death of North Sumatra Provincial Legislative Council speaker, Abdul Aziz Angkat, in February.

During Tuesday’s court session at the Medan District Court, state prosecutors charged Chandra with articles 338 and 340 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) which carry a sentence of between 15 years and life imprisonment.

Prosecutor Windu Swondy said he had included article 340 on conspiracy to murder because Chandra was the mastermind behind the incident.

“We have enough evidence, such as the keys used to lock the DRPD exit gates and two coffins brought by protesters during the rally [to link him with orchestrating the crime],” Windu said.

He said Chandra and seven other suspects had entered the DPRD building to meet with Abdul while the rally was taking place.

“They threatened Abdul with death unless he signed a letter recommending the formation of the province of Tapanuli,” he said.

Chandra was the chairman of a team pushing for Tapanuli to become a new province. He is also a former DRPD member.

In response to the charges, Chandra expressed his objection and will present his defense next week.

Abdul was set upon by the protesting mob as he tried to leave the DPRD building, and was badly beaten. He later died in hospital.
 

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