Condemn one, praise other?<\/p>\n
I have in front of me a copy of The Jakarta Post dated May 17,
\n1995, page four, my favorite \"Your Letters\".<\/p>\n
A letter titled Permadi and Bintang cases written by Mr
\nSuharsono Hadikusumo, which was picked up from Sinar and
\ntranslated by the Post, drew my attention.<\/p>\n
First, the letter says \"Permadi and Sri Bintang Pamungkas
\ncases are a new phenomenon in our social and political life\". I
\nwonder what is so new about those two cases. Both are accused of
\nsomething, and accusations against certain persons are not new.
\nIt happens every day. Accusations against holding demonstrations
\nare not new. Its happened before. Accusations against blasphemy
\nare not new, and we had such a case before in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Second, what is wrong in making statements? I do not believe
\nthat making statements are against the principles of presumption
\nof innocence. If Mr. Suharsono says that was not wise then I
\nfully agree.<\/p>\n
Let us have a look and maintain a neutral position. Mr
\nSuharsono condemned the people who made statements as damaging
\nthe reputation of Permadi and Bintang, but he praised the people
\nwho have the guts to defend those two gentlemen. I think this
\njust showed Mr. Suharsono's colors and his prejudice.<\/p>\n
What is the difference? Why condemn one action and praise the
\nother? Officially and legally we know nothing, whether they are
\nguilty or not. The court has to decide that. At this moment, they
\nare just being accused. Look at how many people are being freed
\nby the court, although they have been previously accused.<\/p>\n
Again, those statements might not be wise, but it is equally
\nunwise for Mr. Suharsono to condemn one action and praise the
\nother, while in principle both are of the same kind.<\/p>\n
Third, one thing, which needs further explanation is the last
\npart of his letter (to Sinar). I quote: \"It is much better for
\nthe judges, if they are in doubt in deciding their verdict, to
\nfree a guilty man rather than penalizing an innocent one.\" How
\ncan a guilty man be freed?<\/p>\n
Honestly I cannot catch the true meaning of this statement
\nbecause freeing a guilty man is as bad as convicting an innocent
\none. Please clarify!<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/condemn-one-praise-other-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }