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wo suspects at the trial of Nyoman Susrama, who are also being charged with masterminding the murder of Anak Agung Gde Narendra Prabangsa, withdrew their witness testimonies, saying they did it under police threat.

Dariatno alias Jampes and Edy Mashuri aka Endy, explained during the hearing of Monday's session of Susrama's trial that they felt frightened because the police had forced them to make the statements that were used in the reports.

Jampes said that they were hit by the police.

He added he had only heard the voices of old people, the parents of Hening Puspita, who was the wife of Susrama. "They were just chatting in the house," Jampes said.

Previously, according to the police report, Jampes said he witnessed people hit the late editor of Radar Bali daily, Prabangsa.

Both Jampes and Endy are also suspects in the murder of Prabangsa. They could face nine months in jail for their alleged involvement in the murder of the late journalist.

After the trial, prosecutor Nyoman Sucitrawan said he was convinced that other witnesses would provide more credible evidence.

"It is not a problem at all. We still have many witnesses to support our charge against the defendant," the prosecutor said.

Journalist Prabangsa was found dead in February 2009. His body floated in the water off Bungsil near Klungkung regency.

Many of his colleagues believed Prabangsa was killed because of his news coverage on corruption cases in various projects in Bangli regency, which allegedly involved Susrama, the younger brother of Bangli regent I Nengah Arnawa.

In addition to Susrama, there are eight other suspects charged with murdering Prabangsa.

Seven out of nine suspects including Susrama, Nyoman Wiradnyana, I Komang Gede Wardana, Dewa Gede Mulya Antara, Ida Bagus Made Adnyana and I Wayan Suecita face life sentences.