The Dark Side of a Judge
Chapter 31. The Ferdi

Makutha took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly while outside the courtroom. That day somehow the heart of the Ramoan judge beat so fast. Maybe because this is the first case of the Leopard Gang that entered the court.

"Makutha's spirit," murmured Makutha as she clenched her hand, trying to encourage herself.

"Sir, come on, come in! The trial will begin soon." Rosmah, one of the judges reminded Makutha.

Makutha cleared her throat once while nodding, then turned the door lever. When he entered the brown-dominated room, everyone present in the room stood respectfully. The man stepped steadily toward the court table and then let the audience sit down.

"Egypt, please sit." Makutha's baritone voice echoed through the court room.

Everyone present in the room sat back to their respective places. Makutha starts reading out the case register number, then taps the hammer three times the trial mark starts.

"To the public prosecutor, please bring the defendant to the courtroom." Makutha asked the public prosecutor to call the defendant, who was none other than Ferdi.

After that, the public prosecutor named Lita asked the officer to bring Ferdi into the courtroom. Shortly after, one of the Cantul Gang members entered the courtroom.

Ferdi wore a white shirt, and formal pants were black. He began to sit down, unwillingly staring at Makutha. Guilt lingered in the man's heart. Since stabbing Tito during the investigation, the man seemed to lose the spirit of his life. Several times he tried to end his life, but was revoked because he remembered his parents who were in the village.

Makutha began asking questions regarding Ferdi's personal data. Such as his full name, age and date of birth, home address, and also his job. After that the trial went on as usual. Until the public prosecutor read the charges.

"I don't accept it!" shouted Maudy.

"I don't accept that the barbaric man was only sentenced to 20 years in prison! He killed my husband!" Maudy continues to rebel trying to get closer to the Public Prosecutor.

Two officers held Maudy's arm. Makutha who witnessed Maudy's expression smiled skewedly. The man scratched his forehead then threw away his face.

"Your Majesty, please don't grant the prosecution! Ferdi should be punished more severely!"

Initially Makutha was reluctant to respond to Maudy's rant. However, a moment later he looked cynically at the woman who was eight months pregnant.

"Calm down. Everything will go according to the law. I don't think any victim will be harmed by the verdict of the Judge's Assembly."

"But, Your Majesty ...." Maudy's words hung in the air.

"We have our own procedures in the trial. So stay calm and get back to your seat."

After the situation returned conducive, the trial resumed. Ferdi did not avoid all his actions. The man filed a Pledoi (defense note) through his legal counsel, and was read that day after Makutha had authorized it.

"Defendants on behalf of Ferdi only want leniency. He is aware of his mistake and is willing to serve the sentence in accordance with the judgment of the Judge." Herdi's lawyer read out a plea note at the trial.

Makutha smiled faintly. He did not expect Ferdi to submit a pledoi beyond suspicion. Usually the defendants want to be free of all charges, but not with the man. He admitted his guilt in front of the trial, and was willing to accept punishment. It's just that he asked for leniency through legal efforts given to him.

"Alright, the Assembly of Judges takes seven days to make a decision. So, today's hearing is adjourned and closed." Makutha tapped her hammer three times, then started to stand up from the chair and left the courtroom.

On the other hand, Hans, who also witnessed the trial with Usman, stared cynically at Makutha. He smiled meaningfully then drew closer to Usman.

"What's our next plan, man?" hans whispered with a meaningful smile.