Elza plays down accusations of conspiracy with police

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra's lawyer, Elza Syarif, played down on Monday the allegation that there was a deliberate ploy between her client and the police over recent cases released by Tommy's lawyers, which were believed to be aimed at distracting public attention.

"That's not true. There is no conspiracy between us (the police and Tommy's lawyers)," Elza said, before leaving Jakarta Police Headquarters.

Elza denied the statement issued by Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Jacoeb that her client had told investigators on Friday evening that he had been cheated by Yorrys Raweyai of Pancasila Youth (PP), who had promised to safeguard him during his time on the run, in return for US$5 million.

Elza said her client had said nothing about Yorrys Raweyai to police investigators.

"There was no such statement (from my client)," Elza asserted.

Sofjan revealed earlier on Sunday that Yorrys had failed to keep his promise to protect Tommy, even though he had received the money.

Sofjan also said that Tommy had urged the police to take immediate action on his earlier reports.

Sofjan was not available for confirmation.

Previously, Tommy's lawyers had lodged a lawsuit against Raden Doddy Sumadi for allegedly extorting money from Tommy.

Doddy is known as a close friend of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid who had helped arrange the controversial meeting between the two.

Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan, a lawyer of former president Gus Dur, warned earlier that, by dragging big names into the investigation, the defense was trying to distract public attention and spread the blame.

He warned of possible legal manipulation, which might eventually hamper attempts to convict Tommy.

The scheduled examination of Tommy was canceled on Monday as all the investigators had to attend the House of Representatives for a hearing with legislators, Elza said.

The investigation would, perhaps, be held on Tuesday.

"I have just been asked to be ready for a call anytime tomorrow," Elza added.

It is still unclear whether Tommy would still be examined over the murder of Supreme Court Justice Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, as Elza could not confirm whether the defendant had signed the final dossiers to mark the completion of the investigation over the case or not.

Tommy was charged, among others, with Criminal Code Article 340, which carries a maximum penalty of death for allegedly masterminding the assassination.