TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - Jayapura distric court has sentenced two French Journalists, reporting to ArteTV, for 2 months and 15 days over visa violation and making contact to OPM. Thomas Charles Dandois and Marie Valentine Louise Bourrat, arrested in August, were also charged with Rp2 million of fine.
Judge Martinus Bala said the two journalists have violated immigration regulation. However, due to their proper manner and act of apology, the sentence given is relatively light. Previously, prosecutor has charged the two journalists with four months of imprisonment.
Lawyer Aristo Pangaribuan regretted the verdict, as his clients have spent two months and 12 days in prison; thus there are still three more days before they get free. "The two journalists were on journalist duty, conducting research and observing Papua," said Aristo.
CUNDING LEVI