Clinkville: Facebook Online Poker Players Ask for Leniency, Face 7 Months in Prison

11 poker players in Jakarta, Indonesia have been charged with playing online poker via Facebook, with each facing up to 7 months behind bars for their crime. 

Online chips were transferred during the commission of the crime.  The chips are deemed to be “virtual cash” since Facebook does not permit real money gambling in Indonesia. 

The seven poker players were identified as: Kesuma Wijaya Sidauruk; M Nasir, aka Aldo; Eman, aka Liang Sun; Hendry, aka A Hen; Haris Pratama Putra; A Seng, aka M. Ikhsan; and M. Zulfikar.

The four others were identified as: Edi, aka Awi, who was an internet shop cashier; Bun Seng, aka A Seng; Herwin, aka A Cong, and Deni Anggriawan, who all acted as operators who transferred gaming chips.

Prosecutors cited Article 303 of the Criminal Code.

“They were involved in gambling, therefore we accuse them of violating the law, which carries a prison sentence of seven months,”

Juliana Tarihoran claimed the defendants had purchased chips from a cashier prior to playing the online poker game on Facebook.

The accused asked for leniency, which prompted the presiding judge to suggest such a request only served to support their own guilt in committing such a crime.

“Everyone is asking for leniency and no one has asked for an acquittal. If you ask for leniency, this either proves you admit your wrongdoing, or are admitting you are guilty. Those who feel innocent raise your hands,”

Judge Agus Setiawan warned the individuals not to commit the crime again. 

Facebook only began offering real money gambling this week, but exclusively to those living in Great Britain.  No word yet as to whether this platform will extend into other countries. 

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com