Suara.com – Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanty’s lawyer, Muhammad Isnur, said that the acquittal of his two clients sent a message that criticism must continue to be conveyed.
“This decision gives a message that we must and must continue to criticize, speak out and express opinions,” said Isnur as quoted from the official KontraS website, Tuesday (9/1/2024).
In its considerations, the Panel of Judges at the East Newsdelivers.com District Court (PN Jaktim) said that the phrases ‘Lord Luhut’ and ‘we are criminals too’ which were conveyed in the Haris Azhar podcast which was prosecuted by Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan did not constitute an element of defamation.
On the other hand, the Panel of Judges was of the view that Luhut was indicated to be involved in business exploration in Papua. Because the Coordinating Minister for Marves owns 99 percent of the shares in PT Toba Sejahtera, which is the parent company of PT TDM.
It didn’t stop there, the Panel of Judges also stated that the title of Haris Azhar’s podcast ‘There is Lord Luhut Behind the Military Operations in Papua’ was not fake news.
Because it is based on the results of research by the Civil Society Coalition. Therefore, the Panel of Judges concluded that all the elements in the public prosecutor’s (JPU) indictment were not fulfilled.
“What the judge said was the truth, because it mentioned democracy and freedom of expression. This decision conveys the message that don’t be afraid and don’t stop,” said Isnur.
Meanwhile, Haris-Fatia’s other lawyer, Arif Maulana, assessed that the decision was a sign that the Civil Coalition’s research was a fact.
“The research states that there is a conflict of interest from LBP. So, if the law wants equality, the police must investigate the mining business carried out by Luhut’s company,” he said.
For your information, Haris Azhar and Fatia were acquitted in the Luhut defamation case. The verdict was read by the Chief Judge, Cokorda Gede Arthana.
“Acquitted the defendant Haris Azhar from all charges. Acquitted the defendant Fatia Maulidiyanty from all charges,” said Judge Cokorda, Monday (8/1/2024) at the East Newsdelivers.com District Court.
The panel of judges decided that Haris and Fatia had not committed a criminal act of defamation against Luhut.
Apart from that, the Panel of Judges also stated that the elements of insult, defamation, and spreading false news were not proven during the trial process.