FORMER Supreme Court (MA) official Zarof Ricar (ZR) prepared a legal defense. He will defend himself regarding the determination of the suspect in the bribery case at the cassation stage for the murder of Gregorius Ronald Tannur.
“We are currently preparing defense steps that are possible by law to handle this case,” said suspect Zarof Ricar’s attorney, Handika Honggowongso in a written statement, Monday (28/10).
Handika asked all parties not to speculate so as to damage the credibility of the Supreme Court justices. He also wants the principle of presumption of innocence to remain at the forefront in handling this cassation broker case.
“We appeal to all parties to continue to prioritize the principle of presumption of innocence, not to form opinions that lead to a trial by press which is detrimental to our clients’ legal interests, as well as damaging the credibility of the ranks of supreme court judges at the Supreme Court,” said Handika.
Apart from that, he asked the Attorney General’s Office investigators to be professional in handling the cassation broker case that ensnared his client. The Adhyaksa Corps was also asked to fulfill the rights of retired MA Zarof Ricar.
“All parties who feel they have a connection with our client must act calmly and not be reactive in responding to any actions from the AGO’s Jampidsus ranks who are carrying out their duties,” he said.
Previously, the Attorney General’s Office arrested Zarof Ricar in Bali at 22.00 WITA, on Thursday, October 24 2024. He was suspected of being an intermediary or broker in the case of the murder of Dini Sera Afrianti, 29, which was committed by Gregorius Ronald Tannur.
The former Head of the Supreme Court’s Legal and Judicial Training Agency is suspected of having committed a criminal act of corruption, namely carrying out an evil conspiracy to commit bribes with Ronald’s lawyer, Lisa Rahmat. Lisa asked Zarof to make an effort for the supreme judge at the Supreme Court to still declare Ronald Tannur not guilty in his cassation decision.
Lisa promised IDR 5 billion for the Supreme Court justices. Meanwhile, Zarof was promised to be given IDR 1 billion.
“According to LR’s notes given to ZR, (Rp. 5 billion) was for the supreme judge on behalf of S, A, and S again, who handled Ronald Tannur’s cassation case. However, ZR did not want to accept the rupiah because it was a large amount. ZR suggested “The rupiah was exchanged for foreign currency at one of the money changers in the Blok M area, South Jakarta,” said Director of Investigations at the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, Abdul Qohar, during a press conference, Friday, October 25 2024.
However. Ronald Tannur was sentenced to five years in prison on appeal. The Supreme Court’s decision also corrects Ronald Tannur’s acquittal at the Surabaya District Court.
Apart from that, investigators have searched Zarof’s house in the Senayan area, South Jakarta. Then, where Zarof stayed before being arrested was the Le Meridien Hotel, Bali. From the search, investigators confiscated evidence in the form of SGD74 million, USD1.8 million, EUR71,200, 483,320 Hong Kong dollars and IDR 5.7 billion in cash. Investigators also confiscated 51 kilograms of Antam gold.
Now Zarof has been detained. He was charged with Article 5 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 15, in conjunction with Article 18 of Law (UU) Number 31 of 1999 which has been amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes (Tipikor) and Article 12B in conjunction with Article 18 of the same regulation. .
Meanwhile, Lisa was previously detained because of a bribery case against three judges at the Surabaya District Court who previously acquitted Ronald Tannur. He was also charged with Article 5 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 15 in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Law. (P-5)
#Zarof #Ricar #Prepares #Defense #Ronald #Tannur #Bribery #Case
**Interview with Handika Honggowongso, Attorney for Zarof Ricar**
*Date: October 28, 2024*
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Handika. Let’s start with the recent developments regarding your client, Zarof Ricar. Can you provide some insight into the legal defense strategy that you and your team are preparing?
**Handika Honggowongso:** Thank you for having me. We are currently working on a comprehensive defense strategy for Mr. Ricar. Our focus is on ensuring that his legal rights are upheld throughout this process, especially considering the serious nature of the accusations against him in the cassation bribery case.
**Editor:** It’s been reported that Zarof Ricar is accused of being an intermediary in a bribery scheme involving the case of Gregorius Ronald Tannur. How does this affect his standing, especially in relation to his previous position as a Supreme Court official?
**Handika Honggowongso:** The accusations are indeed serious, and they directly tarnish the reputation of the Supreme Court institutions. However, it’s crucial to remember the principle of presumption of innocence. We urge everyone not to jump to conclusions or engage in speculation that could further harm his reputation and the credibility of the Supreme Court justices involved.
**Editor:** You mentioned the principle of presumption of innocence. Can you elaborate on how you plan to ensure this principle is maintained throughout the investigation?
**Handika Honggowongso:** Our approach includes advocating for fair treatment by the legal system and the media. We will be vigilant against any public narratives that could lead to a ‘trial by press.’ It’s vital that all parties, including the Attorney General’s Office, conduct their investigations professionally and respectfully, while also upholding the rights of Mr. Ricar as a retired Supreme Court official.
**Editor:** There has been widespread concern over judicial corruption. How do you believe the handling of this case might influence perceptions of the judiciary in Indonesia?
**Handika Honggowongso:** This case is indeed a critical opportunity to address deeper issues within the judicial system. We hope that a transparent and fair process will ultimately lead to cleaning up any corruption within the judiciary, thereby restoring public faith in our legal institutions. It’s essential that everyone involved, from investigators to legal representatives, acts with integrity.
**Editor:** In closing, what message would you like to convey to the public regarding this case?
**Handika Honggowongso:** I would like to emphasize the importance of patience and restraint. Let the legal process run its course without undue influence from speculation or sensationalism. Our legal team is committed to defending Mr. Ricar’s rights and ensuring that justice is served, not just for him, but also for the integrity of the Supreme Court.
**Editor:** Thank you, Handika, for your insights. We hope to see a just resolution to this case.
**Handika Honggowongso:** Thank you for having me.