Defendant Of Student Murder In Aceh Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison

The panel of judges at the Banda Aceh District Court sentenced a defendant to the crime of murder of a student with a sentence of 20 years in prison.

The verdict was read out by the panel of judges chaired by Azhari and accompanied by Mukhlis and Nelly Rakhmasuri, each as member judges at the trial at the Banda Aceh District Court in Banda Aceh.

The defendant is on behalf of Zulfurgan. The defendant was present at the trial accompanied by his legal adviser. The trial was also attended by Public Prosecutor (JPU) Alfian and friends from the Banda Aceh District Attorney.

The panel of judges stated that the defendant was proven guilty of violating Article 338 of the Criminal Code as stated in the indictment of the subsidiary of the public prosecutor.

"Sentenced the defendant Zulfurqan to 20 years in prison. Ordered the defendant to remain in custody," said Azhari, chairman of the panel of judges reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, July 16.

Based on the facts at the trial, said the panel of judges, the defendant killed the victim Dhiyaul Puadi, a student, in Gampong Jeulingke, Syiah Kuala District, Banda Aceh City, on October 19, 2024.

The defendant's actions were carried out in the victim's boarding house. The defendant stabbed the victim's neck and arm with a knife. Previously, the defendant intended to take the victim's cell phone, said the panel of judges.

The panel of judges stated that they did not agree with the public prosecutor who charged and charged the defendant with premeditated murder. This is because there is no evidence and facts in the trial of the defendant preparing for the murder.

"There were no facts and statements of witnesses who confirmed the defendant preparing for the murder. However, the elements of the defendant taking the lives of others can be fulfilled," said the panel of judges.

According to the panel of judges, the witnesses at the trial only saw the defendant visiting the victim's boarding house and then leaving the place. In addition, there were also witnesses who found out that the victim died from social media and then went to the victim's place.

"The aggravating thing was that the defendant was convoluted in court and did not admit his actions. As for mitigating matters, the defendant was young and had never been convicted," said the panel of judges.

On this decision, the defendant and legal advisor and the public prosecutor expressed their thoughts. The panel of judges gave the parties seven days to think about it.

The verdict of the panel of judges was lighter than the demands of the public prosecutor. At the previous trial, the public prosecutor charged the defendant Zulfurqan with the death penalty.