Iwik still weighs up plan to sue police<\/p>\n
YOGYAKARTA (JP): Dwi Sumaji alias Iwik, exonerated recently
\nfrom a murder charge by the Bantul District Court, was still
\nundecided yesterday over whether to sue the police for wrongful
\nprosecution.<\/p>\n
Iwik said he needed to thoroughly consider the consequences of
\nthe lawsuit, should he file one, and promised to announce his
\ndecision after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan, which
\nstarts tomorrow.<\/p>\n
\"He just informed us that he needs more time to discuss the
\nmatter with his family and promised to inform us in February,\"
\nsaid Adib Sudarmaji, one of his lawyers.<\/p>\n
Iwik was accused of killing Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin -- a
\njournalist of the local daily Bernas -- in August because the
\njournalist allegedly had an affair with his beautician wife.<\/p>\n
Following months of controversy over the way he was arrested
\nand the case built against him, Iwik was acquitted by the court
\non Nov. 27 due to a lack of evidence.<\/p>\n
Many people believe that Fuad, or Udin as he was better known,
\nwas murdered because of his investigative reporting on corruption
\npractices in the regency of Bantul, especially because only
\nminimal evidence was found against Iwik.<\/p>\n
Following Iwik's release, some people have suggested that
\npolice reopen the case and find the true murderer.<\/p>\n
Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said early this
\nmonth that he would support reopening the case.<\/p>\n
Military Police Corps Commander Maj. Gen. Syamsu D. pointed
\nout it would be much easier for authorities to investigate the
\ncase if Iwik filed a complaint.<\/p>\n
\"For the time being, what we can do is prepare a draft of the
\nlawsuit in case Iwik decides to go ahead with the plan,\" Adib
\ntold The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Adib pointed out that he would not influence Iwik in making
\nhis decision.<\/p>\n
\"We're ready to accept whatever decision Iwik decides to
\nmake,\" Adib said.<\/p>\n
The court also ordered police to restore Iwik's name. It also
\ninstructed that all evidence, including Iwik's clothes,
\nwristwatch and scooter, be returned to him.<\/p>\n
\"The police are obliged to give Iwik both material and
\nimmaterial compensation, whether Iwik demands it or not,\" said
\nAdib.<\/p>\n
Iwik's case has stirred up controversy among legal experts and
\npractitioners. Some argue that Iwik has to take legal steps while
\nothers do not think so.<\/p>\n
Budi Hartono of Yogyakarta's Legal Aid Institute, who is also
\nthe lawyer of Udin's wife Marsiyem, said Iwik's planned legal
\naction did not have any political motive.<\/p>\n
According to Budi, such a step would help the police find
\nUdin's real killer as well as any accomplices.<\/p>\n
\"That's why everyone in the country is looking forward to
\nhearing Iwik's decision,\" Budi said. (swa\/prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/iwik-still-weighs-up-plan-to-sue-police-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}