Indonesia to charge local CEO for BlackBerry Bold 9790 riot
updated 10:35 am EST, Mon December 5, 2011
Indonesian RIM CEO, more face negligence charges
Indonesian Police officials on Monday revealed they will charge local RIM CEO Andrew Cobham with negligence for holding the Bold 9790 sale that caused numerous injuries during a minor riot. Cobham hasn't been detained but isn't allowed to leave the country, said Police investigator Budi Irawan, and may face up to nine months in jail. Other suspects who may face the same charge include a security consultant hired by RIM, an event organizer and a manager of the shopping centre.
Hopeful customers lined up since before 4PM the day before to get a Bold 9790 for 50 percent off, or the equivalent of $260 off-contract. Only 1,000 were promised to get the phone, but demand far outstripped supply, causing RIM to close the event early, at 1:30AM. Reports peg the number of injuries to about 90 people as a result of the stampede, ranging from broken bones to contusions. It's estimated 200 public and private security officers were required to quell the rabid shoppers.
Companies like Apple are used to long lineups for devices like the iPad and iPhone but, even including fights with scalpers at Chinese launches, haven't reached the same scale of violence or liability.
