Jakarta – Businessman Tomy Winata is apologizing for one of his lawyers who allegedly assaulted two judges during a court session in Central Jakarta on Thursday.
Tomy's spokesperson Hanna Lilies said the tycoon was surprised and regrets the attack took place.
"Because of that TW [Tomy Winata] apologizes to all parties, especially the victims of the assault over the incident," Hanna said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.
Lawyer Desrizal Chaniago is accused of hitting presiding judge Sunarso and panel member Duta Baskara with a belt as they were ruling on a civil dispute in the Central Jakarta District Court.
Court spokesman Makmur said the attack occurred on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Subekti court room.
The lawyer allegedly launched the assault while Sunarso was reading the ruling regarding a civil dispute between the plaintiff Tomy Winata and the defendants PT Geria Wijaya Prestige, Harijanto Karjadi, Hermanto Karjadi, Hartono Karjadi, PT Saka Utama Dewata and Fireworks Ventures Limited, tempo.co reported.
"Suddenly Desrizal pulled out his belt and used it to hit the panel of judges who were reading the decision," Makmur claimed in a written statement.
"The attack hit Sunarso on the forehead and another judge, Duta Baskara, was also hit," said Makmur.
Desrizal was immediately secured by police and taken to Central Jakarta Police headquarters.
Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono confirmed on Friday afternoon that Desrizal has been officially named a suspect in the assault case.
"This afternoon he has been designated as a suspect and the case is being handled by the Central Jakarta Police." Argo said.
Supreme Court spokesman Abdullah stated that Desrizal could face criminal and contempt of court charges. (tru)