Andi Hajramurni, Makassar – Three Army soldiers involved in a violent attack last November on a village in Jeneponto regency, South Sulawesi, were each given 10-week jail sentences and fined Rp 5,000 (53 US cents) by a Makassar military court Monday.

The verdict was lighter than three-month sentences sought by military prosecutor Faridah Faisal for the perpetrators – First Pvt. Sirajuddin, First Corp. Alimuddin and First Pvt. Yusmianto.

Presiding judge Lt. Col. Sunardi said in the verdict the three soldiers were guilty of inciting fellow soldiers to take part in the attack on Banrimanurung village, a violation of Article 406 of the Criminal Code. The village is located about 80 kilometers south of the provincial capital Makassar.

"The three were proven guilty of influencing their colleagues to commit a criminal act. For that reason, the court sentences them to two months and 15 days," Sunardi said, adding that the three were also required to pay administrative fees of Rp 5,000 each.

Earlier, the court handed down a five-month sentence to First Corp. Syarifuddin for assaulting a Gowa Police officer following the attack on the village, which involved about 25 members of the 700th Infantry Battalion.

The rampage, triggered by a rumor that a village had hit a soldier with his vehicle, left five villagers injured and 82 houses damaged.

Major Gen. Arief Budi Sampurno, the head of the Wirabuana Military Command overseeing Sulawesi, said during a visit to the village shortly after the attack he would discharge any soldier involved in the incident, as well as the head of the battalion, Lt. Col. Sapto Agustono.

The military command spent Rp 200 million (US$20,000) to compensate the residents for their losses.

However, the three soldiers convicted Monday will not immediately begin serving their sentences. The court ordered the temporary release of the three, who have been behind bars since Nov. 29, while they decide whether to appeal the verdict.