In another shocking twist to the widely-criticized criminal case against Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, legal representatives of the former Jakarta governor, who was sentenced to two years in prison for committing blasphemy against Islam, have announced their client’s intention to drop his sentence appeal.
“He (Ahok) said, if we appeal, the punishment might be increased. If we go ahead to the high court, the punishment might be increased. It’s possible that his political rights could be revoked,” said Ahok’s lawyer, Darwin Aritonang, on Monday evening as quoted by Tempo.
According to Darwin, Ahok’s legal team had already filed an appeal at the North Jakarta District Court on Monday afternoon. However, to comply with Ahok’s request, they withdrew the appeal documents just 30 minutes after submitting them to the court.
“We have considered everything,” Darwin said, before hinting that Ahok could carry out his sentence without fuss and hope for remission from the government to greatly reduce his sentence.
The decision also hints at Ahok possibly wanting to take public office again in the future, which many expected him not to do following his blasphemy conviction.
Another one of Ahok’s lawyers, Ronny Talapessy, said Ahok also chose to withdraw the appeal out of respect for Muslims.
“This shows that he greatly respects Muslims. He doesn’t want more protests (against him by Muslims) if he moves forward with the appeal, which would distract the Musilms’ worship during Ramadan,” Ronny told Detik.
Veronica Tan, Ahok’s wife, is expected to give a press conference regarding the appeal withdrawal at noon today.
Prosecution appeal still on
However, there is another side appealing Ahok’s sentence. The prosecutors in his case, who asked that Ahok be convicted on a lesser charge due to a lack of evidence for blasphemy, last week filed an appeal to the High Court in order to have Ahok’s sentence reduced. They previously only demanded that Ahok be given a two-year probation sentence, during which time he can’t commit any crime or be jailed for one year.
The prosecution’s appeal still stands and, if successful, could reduce Ahok’s sentence or even free him. However, it’s also possible that a failed appeal in higher courts could add to Ahok’s sentence, which is the very outcome that Ahok’s legal team seems unwilling to risk.
Ahok also has the option of carrying out his sentence and can hope for remission within six months provided he is well behaved throughout his imprisonment.
Any other legal avenues Ahok could take to gain his freedom would involve extraordinary legal measures, such as presenting new evidence to court arguing for his innocence or appealing for a presidential pardon.
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