Hotman Paris Apologises to Journalists: I Was Emotional

Lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea has apologised to journalists for his harsh remarks during a press conference last Friday. He expressed regret for saying, ‘do you even have a brain?’ to reporters. Hotman explained that his emotional outburst was triggered by repeated questions regarding the corruption case of his client, former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) Febrie Adriansyah. He claimed the journalists did not quote his reasons in full. When the first journalist asked about a hidden agenda behind Febrie’s case, Hotman said he did not know as he lacked the capacity to answer. However, when a second journalist pressed him again about the police search of his client, he lost his temper. ‘I was emotional because I had answered that question repeatedly. I have no authority over that answer,’ Hotman said. Previously, Gerindra Central Board Chairman Bambang Haryadi warned Hotman not to link President Prabowo Subianto’s name when defending his client. Hotman had mentioned Prabowo during a press conference, claiming the president does not discriminate in law enforcement. Bambang countered that Prabowo has consistently stated he will not protect cadres who commit wrongdoing or corruption. Hotman also claimed that police did not seek permission from President Prabowo before naming Febrie a suspect in the PT Asabri corruption case. He highlighted Febrie’s contributions as Jampidsus, including securing Rp 300 trillion in non-tax state revenue and Rp 130 trillion in recovered state losses through the forest area enforcement task force. Febrie has been charged under the Corruption Eradication Law and the Money Laundering Law.