MP urges Karo Prosecutor's Office not to hesitate on Amsal Sitepu's acquittal verdict

Medan (ANTARA) - Member of the House of Representatives’ Commission III Hinca Panjaitan has urged the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office not to hesitate regarding the acquittal verdict against the defendant Amsal Christy Sitepu in the alleged corruption case concerning the village profile video production project in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. “If the prosecutors still dare to hesitate, we urge them not to think any further. It’s already settled,” Hinca stated while accompanying the defendant Amsal Sitepu at the Medan District Court on Wednesday. Hinca suggested that the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office should re-study the provisions in the latest Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), including consulting with their internal leadership. He assessed that the latest KUHAP provisions have provided legal certainty, particularly for defendants who have been declared not guilty by the court. “This new KUHAP of ours truly corrects the old one, so that legal certainty is immediate, thereby preventing prolonged processes,” he said. According to him, a defendant who has been acquitted has the right to restoration of their good name, dignity, and honour, as well as the right to file a claim for compensation in accordance with applicable provisions. “Such compensation can be filed through civil proceedings, where they will demonstrate the losses incurred,” Hinca said. Previously, the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office stated that they were still considering the acquittal verdict handed down by the Corruption Court panel at the Medan District Court against Amsal Christy Sitepu. The Head of the Intelligence Section of the Karo District Prosecutor’s Office, Dona Martinus Sebayang, said they respect the judge’s decision and will use the seven-day period to determine the next legal steps. “We respect the judge’s decision. Next, we are still stating that we will consider for seven days regarding this acquittal verdict and will communicate with our leadership to determine the next legal efforts,” Dona said. Previously, the public prosecutor had demanded that the defendant be sentenced to two years in prison, a fine of Rp50 million subsidiary to three months’ imprisonment, and state loss compensation of Rp202.16 million subsidiary to one year in prison.