Indonesian student jailed for insulting president

JAKARTA, Oct 31 (Reuters) An Indonesian student has been jailed for insulting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during a protest this year, a court official said today, under a law that critics say is undemocratic and should be revoked.

Fahrur Rohman was sentenced to three months and 23 days in jail for verbally abusing Yudhoyono and burning his portrait during an anti-government rally in Jakarta in June, the official said by telephone.

Judges at the South Jakarta district court said his actions had undermined the president's dignity, the official Antara news agency said.

Under Indonesian law, insulting the president and vice president is punishable by up to six years in jail.

Another student was jailed for six months last year for insulting Yudhoyono during a demonstration.

Several students were also imprisoned for similar offences during the administration of Yudhoyono's predecessor, Megawati Sukarnoputri.

REUTERS AKJ RN1604