Trial of AMPB Leaders at Pati District Court Heats Up as Defendant Accuses Prosecutor of Extortion
The continuation hearing of two leaders of the Alliance of United Pati Community (AMPB), Supriyono alias Botok and Teguh Istiyanto, at Pati District Court on Friday, 27 February, was contentious. The hearing agenda covered the state prosecutor’s response to the defendants’ legal defence statements in the Pantura highway blockade case.
Hundreds of supporters of both defendants filled the court grounds from early morning. The atmosphere became heated after the hearing concluded, when Supriyono accused prosecutor Danang Seftrianto of extorting other defendants.
“I received statements from several defendants whilst I was detained at Pati Prison, stating that Prosecutor Danang Seftrianto had extorted them under the pretence of providing financial assistance,” Supriyono told journalists.
He explained that the financial assistance in question involved sums worth tens of millions of rupiah, with promises that it could reduce the charges in court. Supriyono called for the accusation to be thoroughly investigated by the authorities. “If proven, the prosecutor should be removed from law enforcement,” he said.
However, Supriyono declined to reveal the identities of the defendants allegedly victimised by the suspected extortion. He argued he was concerned for their safety as they remained detained at Pati Prison.
“I can prove their statements. If I am lying, I am willing to take a sacred oath. Is Prosecutor Danang Seftrianto willing to take a sacred oath as well,” he added.
Responding to the accusation, Rendra Yoki Pardede, Head of the Intelligence Section at Pati State Prosecutor’s Office, expressed shock. He stated he would coordinate with the Head of the General Criminal Section to follow up on the statement. “I will coordinate first regarding the defendant’s claim about extortion by a prosecutor,” he said briefly.
Previously, in the Pantura highway blockade case, which was triggered by public anger over the regional legislative council’s failure to impeach Pati Regent Sudewo, the prosecutor had sought 10-month prison sentences each for Supriyono and Teguh.
Nevertheless, both defendants and their legal team rejected all charges. The defendants’ lawyer, Nimerodi Gulo, stated that the prosecutor’s charges were not supported by strong evidence presented during the trial. “All charges are unproven as stated by witnesses,” Nimerodi said.
He highlighted the prosecutor’s allegation that the blockade action had obstructed an ambulance carrying a patient. According to him, based on the ambulance driver’s testimony in court, the vehicle was not carrying a patient and had passed through an hour before the action took place.
Additionally, Nimerodi noted that a witness mentioned in the charges as a resident at the incident location was never presented at trial. “This proves the prosecutor was reckless and fabricated the charges. It is unfortunate to see law enforcement like that,” he said.
The hearing will continue with the judges’ verdict reading scheduled for a date to be determined later.