Lawyers rush to back Hafidz

Lawyers rush to back Hafidz

JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers are preparing a defense for Wardah
Hafidz, the coordinator of the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) who
could face legal action brought by a political party she accused
of misusing social safety net funds.

Hendardi, who will coordinate the defense team, said in a
statement that lawyers from three non-governmental organizations
and a human rights organization would work on the case.

"The team was set up to defend Hafidz in the event of any
legal action brought by People's Sovereignty Party chairman
Latief Burhan," he said.

Hendardi explained that Hafidz's investigation into misuse of
social safety net funds should receive support from the public.
"His investigation should be seen as a significant effort by a
member of the public to take action against serious malpractice,"
he said.

He said the party's plan to report Hafidz to the police
contradicted its election manifesto, which promotes the interests
of common people.

If the party wanted to put its rhetoric into practice then it
would have to be prepared to accept censure from the public, he
added.

Hendardi also said the legal team had urged the authorities to
make use of Hafidz's findings in a full investigation of the
party's campaigning activities. (hhr)