Two French journalists went on trial in the Jayapura District Court on Monday (20/10) (Jubi/Yuliana Lantipo)
Jayapura, Jubi – Two French journalists went on trial in the Jayapura District Court on Monday (20/10) charged with visa violations.
Thomas Dandois and Valentine Bourrat were accompanied by their parents and a French embassy official from Jakarta during the trial.
The trial, presided over by judge Martinus Bala heard the indictment by the Public Prosecutor against the two journalists.
Public Prosecutor Sukanda said in his indictment that charges against the journalists revolved around the misuse of their travel documents.
After the indictment was read out, the defendants’ attorney Aristo Pangaribuan the charges were inaccurate because they did not define journalist activities and urged judges to drop the case..
The two journalists are charged with immigration violations because they had conducted journalistic activities while they had only tourist visas.
Meanwhile the Chief Judge Martinus Bala said the trial to hear the prosecutor’s submission would be held on Tuesday (21/10). A verdict is expected on Friday (24/10). (Yuliana Lantipo/rom)
