Human Rights Minister declines comment on acid attack sentences

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has remained tight-lipped regarding the court's lenient sentencing of individuals involved in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, the deputy coordinator of KontraS. Pigai stated he had not yet heard about the verdict.

Speaking after a meeting at Commission XIII of the DPR, Pigai explained that he had just returned from a regional visit and had not yet activated his mobile phone. "I am from Kupang, straight from the airport into this [Commission XIII meeting], my cellphone hasn't been active. I'm still a bit disoriented," Pigai said, indicating his current state.

He emphasized the need to read the full information before offering any comment, especially given the sensitive nature of the case. "I haven't read it. I need to read it first before answering. Because this is sensitive. I apologize," Pigai stated.

The Military Court II-08 Jakarta handed down prison sentences to four defendants in the acid-throwing case against Andrie Yunus. Defendant I, Sergeant Edi Sudarko, received a 3-year sentence. Defendant II, Lieutenant Budhi Hariyanto Widhi, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months. Defendant III, Captain Nandala Dwi Prasetyo, received 2 years, and Defendant IV, Lieutenant Sami Lakka, was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months.

Defendants I and II were identified as the direct perpetrators of the acid attack. The court considered the degree of culpability and the nature of the actions of Defendants III and IV, resulting in lighter sentences despite their higher ranks. Additionally, Defendants I and II face dismissal from military service. The court ordered that the defendants remain in detention. The defendants were found guilty of violating Article 467 Paragraph 1 in conjunction with Paragraph 2 and Article 20 letter C of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP), which pertains to premeditated assault with potential maximum prison sentences of 4 to 7 years.

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I am from Kupang, straight from the airport into this [rapat Komisi XIII], handphone saya belum aktif. Sampai saya baru sidang ini agak oleng-oleng juga ini.