The Bekasi District Court on Thursday found six residents guilty of burning a man to death in Babelan, Bekasi.

Muhammad Al Zahra, also known as Zoya, was burned to death in August after he was accused of stealing an amplifier from a musholla (prayer room). An angry mob chased and beat him and later set fire to him.

The panel of judges found the six defendants guilty of manslaughter. Rosadih, who poured gasoline on Zoya and set him on fire, was sentenced to eight years, the heaviest punishment among the defendants.

“Rosadih is found guilty of committing violence, together with others, in public that resulted in death,” said presiding judge Musa Arief on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com.

The prison term was lighter that the 12 years that had been demanded by prosecutors.

Rosadih’s accomplices — Zulkafi, Aldi, Najibulah and Subur — received seven years, lower than 11 years the prosecutors had demanded.

Another defendant, Karta, also got seven years, three less than the 10 years demanded.

“I will think about [the verdict],” said Rosadih after hearing the sentence. He said he would consult with his legal counsel before deciding whether to accept the verdict.

The courtroom was filled with family and relatives of the defendants, who cried upon hearing the verdicts.  

Zoya is survived by a wife and 4-year-old son. His wife, 25-year-old Siti Zubaidah, was six months' pregnant when he was killed. (cal/wit)

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