Condemn one, praise other?

Condemn one, praise other?

I have in front of me a copy of The Jakarta Post dated May 17,
1995, page four, my favorite "Your Letters".

A letter titled Permadi and Bintang cases written by Mr
Suharsono Hadikusumo, which was picked up from Sinar and
translated by the Post, drew my attention.

First, the letter says "Permadi and Sri Bintang Pamungkas
cases are a new phenomenon in our social and political life". I
wonder what is so new about those two cases. Both are accused of
something, and accusations against certain persons are not new.
It happens every day. Accusations against holding demonstrations
are not new. Its happened before. Accusations against blasphemy
are not new, and we had such a case before in Indonesia.

Second, what is wrong in making statements? I do not believe
that making statements are against the principles of presumption
of innocence. If Mr. Suharsono says that was not wise then I
fully agree.

Let us have a look and maintain a neutral position. Mr
Suharsono condemned the people who made statements as damaging
the reputation of Permadi and Bintang, but he praised the people
who have the guts to defend those two gentlemen. I think this
just showed Mr. Suharsono's colors and his prejudice.

What is the difference? Why condemn one action and praise the
other? Officially and legally we know nothing, whether they are
guilty or not. The court has to decide that. At this moment, they
are just being accused. Look at how many people are being freed
by the court, although they have been previously accused.

Again, those statements might not be wise, but it is equally
unwise for Mr. Suharsono to condemn one action and praise the
other, while in principle both are of the same kind.

Third, one thing, which needs further explanation is the last
part of his letter (to Sinar). I quote: "It is much better for
the judges, if they are in doubt in deciding their verdict, to
free a guilty man rather than penalizing an innocent one." How
can a guilty man be freed?

Honestly I cannot catch the true meaning of this statement
because freeing a guilty man is as bad as convicting an innocent
one. Please clarify!

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