Pemalang, NU Online
The Chairwoman of Muslimat NU Khofifah Indar Parawansa agreed those who are suspected of raping and murdering a 14-year-old girl in Bengkulu to be punished as severely as possible.

"For the perpetrators who are  over 18 years old, I do I agree with the severe punishment for the perpetrators found guilty of violating several articles (of the Child Protection Law). That means it can be done imposing the death penalty," said Khofifah in Pemalang here over the weekend.

As reported by The Jakarta Post, Seven of 12 people who have been apprehended so far for their roles in the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The sentences were handed down at a hearing held at the Curup District Court in Bengkulu on Tuesday presided over by Judge Heny Farida, assisted by Hendri Sumardi and Fahrudin.

District prosecutor's office head Eko Hening Wardhono said the seven teenagers had been found guilty of violating several articles of the Child Protection Law.

"It was a hearing of the seven suspects who are underage," Eko said after attending the hearing, adding that the seven convicts were categorized as minors, evidenced by their birth certificates.

They were identified only as D, aka J; A; FS; S; and DI, who are all 17, and EG and S, who are 16.

Five other suspects include TW, SK and FS, who are 19 years old, and ZI, who is 23. The police are currently hunting for a further two suspects who are still at large.

The Rejang Lebong Police tightened security at the court during the hearing.

The victim was a junior high school student who lived in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu. She was raped and murdered by 14 young men as she was on her way home from school.

The location of the crime was a mere 500 meters from the victim's house, on a rubber plantation.

The girl's body was found on April 4 by the police and several of her family members, with the assistance of several local residents. Ironically, the suspects also participated in the search.

Padang Ulak Tanding Police chief Insp. Eka Candra said they were still chasing two other suspects. He said the police had scoured a number of locations and would continue to search until they were found. "We will capture them as soon as possible," Eka said as quoted by tempo.co. (Masdar)