Prosecutors deny ethics breach raised by Ba'asyir lawyers

Prosecutors have denied accusations that they were "unfair and inhumane" during the trial of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir.

"Throughout the trial, prosecutors have fulfilled all the defendant's rights," prosecutor Andi M. Taufik said at South Jakarta District Court on Monday.

Andi added that prosecutors had been more than helpful in addressing the defendant's medical needs when he complained about knee and eye problems.

"Also when the defendant complained about the vehicle used to transport him to court, we replaced the vehicle at the request of the defendant," he said.

"Therefore the lawyers' opinion, as stated in the defense statement, which says "the prosecutors were unfair and inhumane" is an unethical statement," Andi said.

Ba’asyir’s lawyers, in their defense statement, had accused the prosecutors of failing to treat the defendant properly.

The trial has been adjourned until June 6 for the defendant's final response before the judges' ruling.

Prosecutors have demanded a life imprisonment for Ba'asyir for his alleged role in the collection of funds and motivating his followers to support a military-style training facility in Aceh. (awd)