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Jessica’s trial: Soccer-like atmosphere and bursts of deranged mysticism
The judges on the Central Jakarta District Court handed down their sentence to Jessica Kumala Wongso after finding her guilty of murdering Wayan Mira Salihin. But it appears that there are still many untold stories from inside the courtroom that people want to know about.cd
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Mirna's family wears badges and shirts asking for justice during the trial at the Central Jakarta District Court on Oct. 27. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
T
he judges on the Central Jakarta District Court handed down their sentence to Jessica Kumala Wongso after finding her guilty of murdering Wayan Mira Salihin. But it appears that there are still many untold stories from inside the courtroom that people want to know about.
First, the trial seemed akin to a soccer match, with opposing teams of spectators during the trial.
The spectators did not only come from Jakarta, but also Bandung and even Manado, North Sulawesi.
Kemayoran Police subprecinct head Com. Adri Desas Furyanto said he had to carefully arrange the seats in the court to prevent possible clashes among the spectators.
“Jessica's supporters were directed to sit on the right side while Mirna's supporters were directed to sit on the left side of the court,” said Adri, adding that this was based on an order from the judges.
Many of the spectators, some of whom brought along various kinds of instruments, looked serious while following the words of the judges, particularly during the last part of the verdict.
"We want her to be sentenced to life. If she gets out of prison, she may attack other members of Mirna's family," said Hana, 20, commenting on Jessica’s sentence.
Hana, who is a law student, visited the court with two of her friends, Mutia and Monica.
Meanwhile, Elska, a visitor from Bandung, West Java, had a different opinion. She said the verdict was unfair.
“The judges just copied the prosecutors' indictment. I hope the judges on the higher courts will have compassion and release Jessica because there is no evidence," she said, referring to the decision from Jessica's camp to file an appeal.
Meanwhile, a female spectator named Elly, who traveled to Jakarta from Manado, North Sulawesi, collapsed at the court when the judges handed down their verdict. She then moved convulsively and talked in a distorted manner.
When she was conscious, Elly said she felt that a beautiful lady, who she believed to be Mirna, had tried to permeate her body from the beginning of the trial.
According to Elly, the infiltration of Mirna into her body finally happened when the judges handed down their verdict.
“Before it happened, Mirna’s soul tried to enter my body on three occasions. But when I collapsed, I was totally unconscious, but a lady sitting next to me told me that I was smiling,” she said as reported by tribunnews.com, adding that she seriously believed it was Mirna’s soul that had entered her body. (bbn)
