KPK Responds to Noel Ebenezer's Request for House Arrest Like Gus Yaqut

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to the request for a change in detention status submitted by former Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer, alias Noel, to become house arrest like that received by ex-Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the authority over Noel’s detention currently lies with the panel of judges. This is because Noel’s status is now that of a defendant in the alleged extortion case at the Manpower Ministry. “Since the case was handed over to the District Court, the juridical responsibility for detention has shifted from the Public Prosecutor to the Judge,” Budi said to reporters on Wednesday (25/3). Information regarding the plan to file a request for a change in detention was conveyed by Noel’s lawyer, Aziz Yanuar. Aziz revealed that the filing of this request for a change in detention was done after the KPK transferred the detention of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, alias Gus Yaqut, to house arrest. “The plan is like that (to file a request for a change in detention),” said Aziz when contacted on Monday (23/3). Aziz said that the granting of Gus Yaqut’s request to become house arrest is something unusual done by the KPK. This made his side want to follow in Gus Yaqut’s footsteps. “Yes, an anomaly,” said Aziz. Aziz explained that the filing for a change in detention was done because his client wants to celebrate Easter. In addition, Noel also needs to undergo treatment for the health problems he is experiencing. “Because of Easter. Then according to the doctor, he needs a minor medical procedure on the head that requires hospitalisation, there is care,” explained Aziz.