Semarang. Central Java prosecutors have recommended the death sentence for a man tried for allegedly murdering and dismembering his girlfriend in Semarang Regency, saying on Friday that psychological examinations indicated the defendant was fully aware of his crime.

Imam Sobari, 32. murdered Kholidatun Ni’mah, 24, at a boarding house and dismembered her body into 16 parts in July 2022, according to the sentencing demand read out at the Semarang District Court a day earlier.

It took four days for Imam to mutilate the body and dispose of the parts in different locations, prosecutors said. Like the victim, Imam is also a native of Tegal, Central Java.

Prosecutors have established evidence that the murder was pre-planned, which under article 340 of the Criminal Code is a crime punishable by death.

“Based on facts established during court hearings, the premeditated murder was committed brutally. Capital punishment was recommended by prosecutors because his actions are beyond anything reasonable. This inhumane deed was done viciously and consciously without conscience and guilt,” Semarang District Prosecutor's Office Head Putra Riza said on Friday.

Iman allegedly killed Kholidatun after they head involved in an argument at the victim's rented room on July 17. Iman confessed that he was offended and hurt by what the victim had said before he strangled her to death.

Police launched a murder investigation after residents in different areas reported the findings of body parts, some of them separated by 11 kilometers.