Defendant retracts statements in murder case

TANGERANG: The trial of five suspects allegedly involved in the drive-by shooting of Nasruddin Zulkarnaen became more complex Monday when one of the defendants, Heri Santoso, retracted his statements, during the hearing at the Tangerang District Court featuring defendant and accused gunman Daniel Daen.

When asked by presiding judge M. Asnun, Heri confirmed he wanted to retract all statements he had made in the dossiers.

"Are you sure that you want to withdraw your statements in response to the 22 questions *in the dossiers*," Asnun asked.

"Yes," Heri replied.

Lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon said Heri had feared for his own safety, without providing details.

On Monday, the court held hearings for five defendants accused of involvement in the murder of Nasruddin on March 14 at Modernland housing estate in Tangerang. - JP