Iwik still weighs up plan to sue police
YOGYAKARTA (JP): Dwi Sumaji alias Iwik, exonerated recently from a murder charge by the Bantul District Court, was still undecided yesterday over whether to sue the police for wrongful prosecution.
Iwik said he needed to thoroughly consider the consequences of the lawsuit, should he file one, and promised to announce his decision after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan, which starts tomorrow.
"He just informed us that he needs more time to discuss the matter with his family and promised to inform us in February," said Adib Sudarmaji, one of his lawyers.
Iwik was accused of killing Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin -- a journalist of the local daily Bernas -- in August because the journalist allegedly had an affair with his beautician wife.
Following months of controversy over the way he was arrested and the case built against him, Iwik was acquitted by the court on Nov. 27 due to a lack of evidence.
Many people believe that Fuad, or Udin as he was better known, was murdered because of his investigative reporting on corruption practices in the regency of Bantul, especially because only minimal evidence was found against Iwik.
Following Iwik's release, some people have suggested that police reopen the case and find the true murderer.
Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said early this month that he would support reopening the case.
Military Police Corps Commander Maj. Gen. Syamsu D. pointed out it would be much easier for authorities to investigate the case if Iwik filed a complaint.
"For the time being, what we can do is prepare a draft of the lawsuit in case Iwik decides to go ahead with the plan," Adib told The Jakarta Post.
Adib pointed out that he would not influence Iwik in making his decision.
"We're ready to accept whatever decision Iwik decides to make," Adib said.
The court also ordered police to restore Iwik's name. It also instructed that all evidence, including Iwik's clothes, wristwatch and scooter, be returned to him.
"The police are obliged to give Iwik both material and immaterial compensation, whether Iwik demands it or not," said Adib.
Iwik's case has stirred up controversy among legal experts and practitioners. Some argue that Iwik has to take legal steps while others do not think so.
Budi Hartono of Yogyakarta's Legal Aid Institute, who is also the lawyer of Udin's wife Marsiyem, said Iwik's planned legal action did not have any political motive.
According to Budi, such a step would help the police find Udin's real killer as well as any accomplices.
"That's why everyone in the country is looking forward to hearing Iwik's decision," Budi said. (swa/prb)