Indonesian Police to Summon Hotman Paris Over Alleged Journalist Defamation
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesian police will summon lawyer Hotman Paris for questioning regarding a report of alleged defamation of journalists.
- The report was filed by the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and the Online Independent Media (MIO) Indonesia.
- The case stems from comments made by Hotman Paris during a press conference that were perceived as insulting and intimidating to journalists.
Indonesian police are preparing to summon prominent lawyer Hotman Paris for questioning as a suspect in a defamation case involving journalists. The Metro Jaya Regional Police confirmed they will call the lawyer for clarification regarding the report.
Yes (will summon the suspect).
Two separate reports have been filed against Hotman Paris, one by the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and another by Online Independent Media (MIO) Indonesia. Both organizations accuse the lawyer of insulting and demeaning the journalism profession.
Investigators will review the report and delve into the reporter and evidence.
The incident reportedly occurred during a press conference where Hotman Paris was representing a client. When faced with questions from journalists, his responses were perceived as arrogant, insulting, and intimidating. Specific remarks allegedly included questioning journalists' intelligence and telling them to "shut up."
you have a brain or not?
Following the backlash and the filing of reports, Hotman Paris issued a public apology via a video posted on his Instagram account. In the video, he expressed his deepest apologies for his statements, specifically referencing the remark about journalists' intelligence made during the press conference related to the former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes.
My apologies, Hotman Paris. In connection with the appeal from the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) and other journalist colleagues. With this, I express my deepest apologies for my statement during the press conference on the former Junior Attorney General case which said 'do you have a brain?'
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.