Court throws out lawsuit against KPK

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta Court on Tuesday rejected a lawsuit by two suspects in a Rp 8 billion (US$869,565) corruption case against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over the legality of their detention and investigation.

Judge Martini Mardja said the detention of Harun Let Let and Tarcisius Walla was legal and in line with procedure.

The commission had the authority to investigate and prosecute criminal cases that occurred before it was set up, she said.

The graft allegedly involving Harun took place in 2002 during the relocation project for the Tual Sea Port on Kei Kecil island, Southeast Maluku.

The government, through the Directorate General of Sea Transportation, paid some Rp 18.8 billion to buy some 14.5 hectares of land -- owned by Harun -- for the relocation. It later turned out that Harun received only Rp 10.8 billion. -- Antara