Ari's release draws scorn

Ari's release draws scorn

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Central Jakarta District Court's decision to
release former President Soeharto's grandson Ari Sigit from
custody is counter to the public's desire to see justice done,
lawyers asserted on Friday.

The critics were referring to the decision made by the court
on Thursday to grant the request made by Ari Sigit, (also known
as Ari Haryo Wibowo) to be transferred to house arrest from his
cell in Salemba Penitentiary.

Lawyers Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, Frans H. Winarta and
Irianto Subiakto shared the same position that the public were
yet again embittered by the justice system which has apparently
failed to consider the public interest.

"The approval (of Ari's request) could not be based on any
legal or extenuating factors. The court has to consider other
aspects in society, including public expectations of justice,"
Nursyahbani told The Jakarta Post.

In today's climate she claimed, people worry that Ari might
escape, as his famous uncle, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra did
after he was pronounced guilty of corruption and sentenced to 18
months in jail.

Ari's trial for illegal possession of firearms is ongoing. The
charge carries a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment.

The defendant left his cell at the Salemba Penitentiary in
Central Jakarta on Thursday after the panel of judges, presided
over by Herri Swantoro, approved his request for a transfer to
house arrest.

The judges granted his request based on a signed guarantee
given by Ari that he would continue to attend his trial in
addition to Rp 100 million in bail and a medical report
suggesting that the defendant should have medical treatment for
apparent poor health.

The guarantee document was signed by Ari's father, Sigit
Hardjojudanto and lawyers Juan Felix Tampubolon, Petrus Bala
Pattyona and Indriyanto Seno Adji while the medical report was
prepared by Dr. Hari Sabardi.

"The judges should be certain that Ari is really sick,
considering that many defendants use the same excuse to ask for
leniency or house arrest," Nursyahbani said. Similar comments
were made by Frans and Irianto.

The public's already weak trust in the justice system was
dealt yet another devastating blow last week when the Supreme
Court issued a decision to completely exonerate Tommy, who had
earlier asked for a presidential pardon, thereby admitting guilt.