TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The lawyer of defendant Jessica Kumala Wongso, Otto Hasibuan, said it is unclear whether the death of Wayan Mirna Salihin was caused by cyanide poisoning. Otto made the conclusion after he heard the testimony of forensic and toxicology expert Budi Sampurna in Wednesday’s trial at Jakarta District Court.

“For us, it’s clear now, the we can’t confirm whether the victim’s death was due to cyanide [posioning],” Otto said shortly after the trial.

Therefore, he has asked the public prosecutors to prove the cause of Mirna death as he doesn’t feel the need to prove the death himself. Thus far, according to him, the prosecutors had only reveal evidence in connection with Mirna’s death.

Public prosecutor Ardito Murwadi said he will bring other witness experts to court to corroborate the evidence which shall prove that Jessica was murdered by Mirna. The next trial is scheduled for today. “We have summoned more expert witnesses,” he noted.

However, Budi, the forensic expert from Cipto Mangungkusumo Hospital, has dismissed Otto’s statement. He said the cause of Mirna’s death is similar to that of cyanide poisoning. Although he declined comment when aksed by the judge to confirm whether Mirna’s death was caused by cyanide poisoning.

Budi revealed that he did not conduct autopsy to Mirna’s body as he failed to get permission from Mirna’s family.

“Before the examination, we waited for his family to arrive. They apparently did not approve autopsy,” Budi said. Hence, the forensic pathologysts only examined some organs of Mirna’s body and took their samples.

Pathologysts examined the victim’s stomach, lever, bile and urine. Pathologysts found wound to Mirna’s stomach and 0.2mg cyanide residue in it.

“Based on the signs of death, it seems to be similar to cyanide poisoning,” he said. He has also found bruises on the mouth and other parts of Mirna’s body.

AVIT HIDAYAT