A politician in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), who formerly served for the province’s Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), was arrested this week for allegedly raping his own daughter.
Police initially identified the suspect by his initials AA, but local media outlets have since revealed that the 65-year-old man is Ali Ahmad. He is a former cadre of the Islamic-based National Mandate Party (PAN) and previously served as a member of NTB’s DPRD for five terms.
According to reports, Ali allegedly raped his 17-year-old daughter on Monday while visiting her under the pretext of discussing her education. This happened as her mother was in hospital undergoing treatment for COVID-19. Ali and the victim’s mother are divorced.
The victim filed a police report for rape the next day, and Ali has since been charged with rape under the Child Protection Law and could face up to 15 years in prison. He could serve an additional one-third of the sentence because the victim is his biological daughter.
During a press conference held yesterday, however, Ali maintained his innocence.
“No, of course not. I wouldn’t do it to my own child,” Ali said, as quoted by state news agency Antara.
Mataram Police Chief Heri Wahyudi, who is handling the case, said Ali was named as a suspect on Wednesday and is currently in police custody. Authorities said that a medical examination showed evidence of sexual assault, such as new wounds on the victim’s breast and private parts.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story disclosed the victim by her initials. We have decided to remove any mention of this as the victim is underage.
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