15 years sought for ‘book-bomber’ wife

Tribunnews.comProsecutors are demanding a 15-year prison sentence for Deni Charmelita, the wife of “book bomb” suspect Pepi Fernando, who stands accused of concealing information about her husband’s alleged role in a series of attacks and plot to blow up a church in Serpong, Tangerang.

“[She was] charged with Law No. 15/2003 on terrorism eradication, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail,” prosecutor Rinie Hartati told the West Jakarta District Court on Thursday.

Rinie said that Deni deliberately helped a terrorist suspect and impeded the investigation into the case.

Deni’s attorney, Nurlan, told the court that his client only followed her husband's orders, which was not an act of terrorism.

Nurlan said that the defense team would file a statement to counter the indictment.

Deni's husband has been accused as the maker of the bombs, disguised as books, in March 2011.

Bombs were sent to politician and liberal Islam activist Ulil Abshar Abdhalla, National Narcotics Agency chief Gories Mere, Pancasila Youth Movement head Yapto Soerjosumarsono and musician Ahmad Dhani.

One bomb exploded and injured a police officer who had been trying to defuse it.

The terrorist group also allegedly planned another attack on the Christ Cathedral in Serpong, Tangerang. However, the plan was foiled by police intelligence who had discovered nine bombs planted along a gas pipeline next to the building on April 21, 2011. (fzm/dmr)