P

rosecutors are seeking the death sentence for two defendants accused of masterminding the murder of Radar Bali journalist Anak Agung Narendra Prabangsa during two separate trial sessions Tuesday.

During the sessions at the Denpasar District Court, prosecutor Sucitrawan asked the judges to hand down death sentences to I Nyoman Susrama and I Nyoman Wiradnyana, also known as Rencana.

Sucitrawan said defendant Susrama was proven to have violated Article 340 of the Criminal Code on premeditated murder.

The prosecutor demanded that the judges declare the defendant legally and convincingly guilty of committing the murder.

"We demand that the judges hand down the death sentence to the defendant," Sucitrawan said before the panel of judges presided by Djumain.

The prosecutors also demanded all evidence, including the victim's clothes and car seat, which were stained with the victim's blood, be used in the next session of the case.

The prosecutors noted there were several points that could earn the defendant a heavier sentence.

"His act was immoral and claimed someone's life. The defendant also did not show any regret and gave confusing testimonies during the trial. We found no point that can redeem the defendant."

The legal team for both defendants, led by Sugeng Santoso said the team would file for appeals, both from the lawyers and from the defendant himself.

"We ask the judges to give us at least two weeks to prepare the appeals."

Presiding judge Djumain said the lawyers could only be given one week before the next session held next Tuesday.

After the session, defendant Susrama said, "I didn't commit anything."

In a separate session, prosecutors asked the panel of judges to hand down the death sentence to defendant Wiradnyana, who was also prosecuted for violating a similar Criminal Code article.

Prosecutor Mega said Wiradnyana gave confusing testimonies during the trial, which could earn him a heavier sentence.

Lawyer Sugeng Teguh Santoso alleged that the case had been manipulated, claiming there was no connection between the evidence and the defendant.

"The prosecution was fabricated," he said.

Another defendant in the same case, Komang Gede, faced prosecution during a session on Monday.

Prosecutor Ida Bagus Chandra Argita sought a life sentence for the defendant.

Radar Bali daily editor Prabangsa was found dead on Bungsil Bay on Feb. 16. Colleagues and media activists allege that his abduction and subsequent murder were linked to his coverage of possible corruption in several construction projects financed by government agencies in Bangli regency.

Susrama was the supervisor of the projects.