Three Defendants in Solo Protest Acquitted, Plan to Seek Compensation
Three defendants related to the August 2024 protest in Solo, Central Java, were acquitted by the panel of judges at the Solo District Court on Monday (30/3).
Afterwards, they left the Class I Solo Detention Centre, greeted by a crowd of activists. They had previously been dragged by law enforcement to face trial on charges related to the riotous protest that occurred in Solo during the wave of actions across Indonesia last August.
The acquitted activist defendants are Daffa Labidulloh Darmaji (21), Hanif Bagas Utama (26), and Bogi Setyo Bumo (27).
Regarding plans after leaving prison, Hanif stated he would return to normal activities. He also plans to demand compensation for the case that ensnared him.
“Return to normal activities. Then we demand compensation. What we’ve done so far is not guilty. The freedom that was taken from us, we demand it back,” he said, as quoted from detikJateng.
Meanwhile, the defendants’ legal counsel, Badrus Zaman, will wait until this case becomes final. Because after the acquittal verdict, the parties are still given time to accept it or pursue further legal remedies.
“If we accept (the verdict), but we don’t know about the prosecutor later. If (the prosecutor) appeals, insyaallah we will also appeal,” said Badrus.
When questioned about the defendants’ request to seek compensation, Badrus said it would be discussed first.
“That later, if it’s finished, already final. We don’t know if there will still be appeals or cassation. Waiting for it to have permanent legal force or become final,” said Badrus.
Hanif and Bogi were detained at the Class I Solo Detention Centre since Friday (31/10/2024). Whereas Daffa was detained since Tuesday (18/11/2024). They were acquitted and declared not guilty by the Panel of Judges of the Solo District Court yesterday Monday.
The crowd that provided support during the verdict hearing at the Solo District Court rushed to the Class I Solo Detention Centre to welcome the release of the three defendants who created and distributed protest flyers that led to riots.
No longer wearing Muslim attire as during the trial, the three now wore black T-shirts when leaving the Class I Solo Detention Centre. They were also greeted by their respective parents.