Antasari, Williardi, Jerry to read defense today

Three defendants in the high-profile murder of businessman Nasruddin Zulkarnaen will deliver their legal defense Thursday in a response to the death and 15-year prison term penalties requested by state prosecutors.

The three defendants, namely, former antigraft body leader Antasari Azhar, former South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Williardi Wizard and businessman Jerry Hermawan Lo, will have separate trial hearings at the South Jakarta District Court.

Nasruddin, a director of state pharmaceutical company PT Putra Rajawali Banjaran, was killed in March last year in a drive-by shooting near Modernland golf course in Tangerang.

The police and prosecutors believe the murder was masterminded by former antigraft leader Antasari Azhar, with help from former South Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Williardi Wizard and businessman Jerry Hermawan Lo, who allegedly arranged the recruitment of the hitmen, and Sigid, who allegedly provided the financial support.

The state prosecutors have demanded a 15-year sentence for Jerry and the death penalty for Sigid, Williardi and Antasari.

Sigid pleaded not guilty at Tuesday's hearing.