Jakarta – The Minister of Justice, Oetojo Oesman, said that they [the ministry] always monitors the actions of all judges, including those trying the Peoples Democratic Party (PRD) activist in the Central and South Jakarta, and Surabaya state courts. Oesman said that he has asked for a report after an incident in which one of the judges in the Central Jakarta court left before the court session was closed.

"So I requested a report on the incident. Apparently he went to the toilet", said Oesman to reporters in Jakarta on Friday (21/3). As reported [see abridged translation in ASIET NetNews #12 - JB], Suhardjo, one of the judges in the trial of Garda Sembiring left the court before the presiding judge Madnjono had closed the session (Kompas 20/3).

Aside from this, the presiding judge trying three PRD leaders, Asmar Ismail evicted the accused and their lawyers. In response the accused and their lawyers carried out a "walk-out" action.

The minister said the incidents were not an example of a good trial and that the "walk-out" by the accused and defense lawyers was not an admirable act.

"I think that action was not one to be admired. If [they] are dissatisfied (with the running of the court) it can be channeled in the next session. But don't let it become a habit", said Oetojo. (tra)

[Abridged translation from Kompas - James Balowski]