Permadi and Bintang cases<\/p>\n
From Sinar<\/p>\n
The Permadi and Sri Bintang Pamungkas cases are new phenomena
\nin our social and political life. Permadi was accused of making a
\nblasphemous statement regarding the Prophet Mohammad, and Sri
\nBintang was accused of organizing and supplying materials for a
\ndemonstration against President Soeharto in Germany.<\/p>\n
Some high ranking officials, political figures as well as
\nIslamic and armed forces leaders have made statements ignoring
\nthe \"presumption of innocence,\" thereby making them scapegoats
\nand condemning them as guilty. On the other hand, many others
\nknow what happened and have had the guts to defend Permadi and
\nBintang.<\/p>\n
The people, particularly the young, were incited to hold
\ndemonstrations against the two suspects. They were geared to take
\nthe law into their hands.<\/p>\n
I was wondering how such important figures could so easily
\naccuse Permadi of carrying out a clandestine (or subversive)
\nactivity aimed at toppling the President and the government. And
\nSri Bintang was accused of insulting the President. Can they
\nprove it? The accusers acted as if they were singing in a choir.<\/p>\n
I hope that Permadi and Sri Bintang are treated properly and
\ngiven a fair trial. It is the court that should decide whether
\nthey are guilty or not. The authorities should never use their
\npower to influence judges, who must be able to work properly and
\nobjectively, free from external pressures and in accordance with
\nthe valid provisions of the law. It is much better for the
\njudges, if they are in doubt in deciding their verdict, to free a
\nguilty man rather than penalizing an innocent one.<\/p>\n
SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/permadi-and-bintang-cases-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }