Govt seeks lawyers for Agus

Govt seeks lawyers for Agus

JAKARTA: The government has sanctioned a fund-raising program to collect the funds needed to hire lawyers for Agus Dwikarna, an Indonesian convicted by a Philippine court in Manila for illegal possession of explosives and immigration law offenses.

Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said on Saturday the move was agreed at a meeting between him and members of the House of Representatives and South Sulawesi provincial legislative council on Friday.

"We will also try to take diplomatic steps without disrupting the legal process," Hassan said.

The minister stressed that Indonesia could not meddle in the Philippine court's decision to sentence Agus to 10 years and one day in jail.

"We must respect the Philippine court's verdict, while at the same time giving Agus maximum protection because he has decided to appeal. Even the latest report from the Philippines makes it possible for him to have his case reviewed at the first level by hearing testimonies from new witnesses," he said. -- Antara