Adi Andojo receives threat

JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Chief Justice for General Crimes Adi Andojo Soetjipto disclosed yesterday that he had received a call threatening him to call off his investigation into the alleged collusion at the Supreme Court.

"Somebody called me a few days ago and told me not get involved in the Supreme Court's investigation over the collusion," Adi told reporters in his office yesterday.

"This person told me that he was a hired assassin," he said.

He said he knew the identity of the caller but would not divulge it to the press. Adi also said that the caller mentioned that he had been hired by a person allegedly involved in the collusion.

Adi made headlines after the press leaked his letter to the Central Jakarta Prosecutor's Office asking that it file a review against a Supreme Court's verdict on a document fraud case. He alleged that a bribe of Rp 1.4 billion (US$ 600,000) was paid for the Court's acquittal of defendant Ram Gulumal of all charges.

The alleged collusion is now being handled by the Supreme Court's internal investigation team, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice for Military Tribunals Affairs Sarwata.

Adi also expressed his anxiety over the team's sluggish handling of the case.

"I have not been summoned to testify. I am afraid that the investigation will deviate from its original purpose: to uncover corruption," he said.

Adi's allegation of collusion and bribery in the Supreme Court has sparked a controversy. A number of legal observers praised him and threw their weight behind him, while legal officials, including his seniors, criticized him for not consulting them before making the move.

Djazuli Bachar, Ram's lawyer, has protested Adi's accusations and declared his willingness to undergo investigation. (imn)