JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by graft convict Akil Mochtar and upheld the verdict handed down by both lower and high courts that sentenced former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) to life in prison for corruption and money laundering.
The ruling from the Supreme Court that upheld life sentence for Akil was confirmed by judge Krisna Harahap. Krisna, who is member of panel of Supreme Court judges, told state-news agency Antara on Monday (Feb. 23) noon.
Commenting to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Akil said he will file a case review (PK) to challenge the ruling. Akil also considers to propose a clemency to the President.
Previously, both lower and high courts have dropped a life sentence to Akil. According to panel of judges, Akil had been proven of being guilty in graft and money laundering cases related to election disputes in fifteen regencies handled by the Constitutional Court. Akil was proven of taking bribes and gifts worth up to Rp57 billion.
The life sentence punishment to Akil, a former lawmaker from Golkar Party, is the first maximum punishment to graft suspect in the history of corruption eradication movement in the country. (haryantosuharman@yosefardi.com)