Death penalty for corrupters demanded
JAKARTA (JP): Anti-corruption activists demanded on Wednesday that anyone found guilty of corruption be given a maximum penalty of death.
"In certain circumstances the death penalty should be handed down to those guilty of corruption," coordinator of Government Watch Farid R. Faqih said.
He said other corrupters with lighter offenses should be sent to jail for at least 20 years as their misdeeds had caused losses to the state.
Separately, an activist with Judicial Watch, Jazuni, called for a distinction to be made when setting the penalty between ordinary corrupters and public servants such as corrupt judges, prosecutors, police and legislators
He said the penalty for corrupt law enforcers should be much heavier. "If possible, they should be given the death penalty," he told a media conference held at his office.
He said such a classification should be included in the revision of existing Law No.31/1999 on the eradication of corrupt practices.
Article 2 of the law stipulates that anyone illicitly amassing a fortune while bringing state losses be sentenced between 4 years and 20 years in jail. They can also be fined between Rp 200 million (US$21,276) and Rp 1 billion.
An official from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights confirmed that a draft for the revision of the law had been handed over to the House of Representatives for deliberation.
"I think input from the watchdog will be submitted to the House factions. Its deliberation will start next week," the official, identified only as Capah, told The Jakarta Post.
Jazuni expressed deep concern over the existence of some shortcomings in the current laws. "In the new law, a tougher penalty should be given to corrupt policemen, prosecutors and judges as well as legislators," he said.
He added that it would be useless to set up various commissions if their legal basis was powerless.
Commenting on the many shortcomings of the current corruption laws, Farid suggested that if a more comprehensive law was to be enacted, other laws should be revoked. "This is aimed at avoiding manipulation of the law," he told the Post.
Jazuni said that the principle of equality before the law should also be kept accordingly. Therefore, there is no need for the police to seek permission to interrogate civil servants suspected of corruption.
"The requirement for permission frequently hinders the law enforcement process," he said.
As corruption cases bring about state losses, he said, it should be declared an extraordinary crime. "All assets of a person suspected of corruption should be confiscated until the person is able to prove that the assets do not come from illegal practices," he added. (08)