Amnesty for Soeharto

Amnesty for Soeharto

From Pikiran Rakyat

Clemency or a pardon can be granted to a criminal after he is sentenced, accepts it and then submits a request for a pardon.

Abolition or reducing a sentence from death to life imprisonment, as in the case of former deputy prime minister/foreign minister Dr. Subandrio, must be preceded by a judge's decision.

Amnesty can be given, without a judge's decision, for a wider national interest, as granted to the rebel groups PRRI and Permesta during former president Sukarno's era.

Though all three are within the prerogative rights of a president, granting any should be based on existing laws and a sound sense of justice.

Soeharto's accountability was accepted by the People's Consultative Assembly, so though he stepped down on May 21, 1998, it does not mean that the accountability was rendered legally invalid. An act of legal violation cannot be tried twice.

Regarding the funds of his foundations, there should be a lawsuit filed by the management and/or members of the foundations or by those suffering any loss. As those who have enjoyed the funds include almost all political parties, social organizations, charitable and educational institutions as well as religious organizations, then according to the law, they must be punished as well.

My suggestion is: Just give him amnesty!

KH JAILANI SITOHANG

Jakarta