Execution of School Director for Raping Over 13 Students

An Indonesian appeals court ruled today, Monday, to execute a school director convicted of raping at least 13 students, including minors. The Supreme Court in Bandung overturned a previous life sentence issued by a lower court against Herry Wirawan, who runs an Islamic boarding school, at the request of the prosecution that sought a harsher penalty. The court also ordered the seizure of Herry's assets to be used for compensating his victims, whose ages range from 14 to 20 years. Herry was arrested last May following accusations of rape at the boarding school. During the initial trial in January, he admitted to his crime and apologized to his victims. This case has spurred calls for the Indonesian government and parliament to expedite consultations on a bill to prevent sexual violence.