The Bernas case

The Bernas case

From Merdeka

Fifty days have passed since Bernas daily journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, also named Udin, 35, died after an unknown group of people attacked him in his home in Bantul, Yogyakarta, on Aug. 13. It is strongly suspected that Udin's death was brought about because of his critical writings on certain people. After an investigation that has lasted quite a long time, the case seems to have become increasingly confusing.

I hope this case will not end up like the Marsinah murder case, where a number of innocent people were convicted of the murder of the factory worker. It was proven afterwards that they were not the killers, so they were released from prison. The real murderer is still at large and seems to be untouchable.

Whatever the situation, justice must prevail. Society will be uneasy and fearful if there is no legal certainty. Eventually national resilience may be disturbed. The impression that law enforcement only applies to average people should be avoided. May such a bad condition not reign in our beloved country.

H. SATRIO ARISMUNANDAR

Jakarta