The Jakarta Post, April 16, 2004
20 years sought for terror suspect
SEMARANG: Prosecutors demanded on Thursday a 20-year jail term for each of four
defendants standing trial for possession of explosives with which they had planned to
launch terror attacks across the country.
Prosecutors accused defendants Mahmudi Haryono, Joko Ardiyanto, Siswanto and
Heri Suyatno with possession of 750 kilograms of explosives, thousands of rounds of
ammunitions, firearms and hundreds of detonators. The huge arms cache was
discovered last July at their residence in Kalibanteng, western Semarang.
The defendants are being charged under Law No. 15/2003 on terrorism and the
Criminal Code, which carry a maximum death sentence.
"The sentence demand is reasonable, as they took part in a crime that has caused
widespread fear," prosecutor Gatot Gunarto told the court.
Speaking after the hearing, defense lawyer Yasri Yudha Yahya said the prosecution's
demand lacked substantial evidence and was emotional.
"When presented with the evidence, the defendants stated clearly that they did not
recognize them. A number of witnesses have also corroborated their statements," he
said.
The trial has been adjourned to April 22. -- JP
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