KPK appeals against Puteh's verdict

KPK appeals against Puteh's verdict

JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against the Anticorruption Court for acquitting suspended Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh of the primary charge of embezzlement against him.

Puteh was sentenced by the Anticorruption Court last April to 10 years' imprisonment and fined Rp 500 million. The court found him guilty of the primary charge of embezzlement.

However, the Anticorruption Court dropped the primary charge against Puteh in June, but retained the 10-year sentence on the charge of misusing his office and position.

KPK prosecutor Yessi Esmiralda said on Wednesday that Puteh had not embezzled funds in his capacity as governor, but for personal gain.

"We object to the Anticorruption Court's verdict, which freed him of the charge of embezzlement," Yessi said.

The Supreme Court has 90 days to decide whether to accept or reject the appeal.--Antara