Five Go on Trial for Negligence over Indonesia Stadium Disaster
Authorities deployed hundreds of security personnel around the court and the trial was held virtually for security reasons.
SURABAYA, KOMPAS.com – Five Indonesian men charged with negligence leading to one of the worst stadium disasters in football history appeared in court by video link on Monday, Jan. 16, as their trial began. The stampede in October in the East Java city of Malang – which killed 135 people, including more than 40 children -- came after police fired tear gas into packed stands when supporters invaded the pitch at the end of a match between rivals Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya. Hundreds of people fled for narrow exits, resulting in a crush that left many trampled or suffocated to death. Three lo...