Jakarta – The defamation articles in the Criminal Code are undemocratic and must be revoked or amended, a prominent constitutional law expert told a court hearing Tuesday.

The hearing to review the articles, requested by lawyer Eggi Sudjana and political activist Pandapotan Lubis, is being held at the Constitutional Court. Both men are charged with defaming President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

"I think those articles are irrelevant," said J.E. Sahetapy, the constitutional law expert. He said any restrictions on criticizing the president would undermine commitment to national reform.

Sahetapy argued that law enforcers should be able to tell the difference between criticism and defamation of a state leader, saying they often tended to consider criticism an insult.

The panel of judges, presided over by court chief Jimly Asshiddique, adjourned the trial until Nov. 24.