Can't Accompany SYL Because He Was A Witness In The Ministry Of Agriculture Case, Febri: What Is The Basic Law?

Lawyer for former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Febri Diansyah

Attorney for the former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Febri Diansyah questioned the legal basis of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prohibiting him from meeting his arrested client, Thursday, October 12.

Febri said he had coordinated with KPK investigators. However, he is still not allowed to meet his client even though he came to the KPK's Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta since 21.30 WIB.

"I have not been allowed to go up to meet my client, Pak Syahrul Yasin Limpo until 00.30. Earlier there was information that I could not (meet, ed) because I was summoned as a witness," Febri told reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Friday, October 13.

It is known that Febri and Rasamala Aritonang, who became Syahrul's attorney, were summoned as witnesses in this case. Both were examined because of the findings of a legal opinion document or legal opinion compiled by his legal firm, Visi Law Office.

This condition then became a question for Syahrul's team of attorneys. "It's as if the advocates cannot assist because they have been summoned as witnesses," said Febri.

"This is a question about the basic legal basis. Even though the function of advocates provides legal assistance to ensure the rights of suspects," he continued.

Febri hopes that his work as an advocate will not be hindered. The investigation into the corruption case that ensnared Syahrul must be handled proportionally according to applicable regulations.

"However, we appreciate the task carried out by the KPK," said the former KPK spokesman.

As previously reported, Syahrul was arrested in the Kebayoran area, South Jakarta on Thursday night. He immediately underwent an examination at the KPK's Red and White Building.

The KPK has announced Syahrul and two of his subordinates, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Kasdi Subagyono and Director of Agricultural Equipment of the Ministry of Agriculture Muhammad Hatta as suspects on Wednesday, October 11. All three were involved in alleged extortion and gratuities.

In this case, Syahrul through his two subordinates was suspected of extorting his employees by requiring to pay the deposit every month. The nominal varies between 4,000-10,000 United States dollars.

It is believed that the money collected does not only come from the realization of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget inflated or mark-ups but from vendors working on projects. The money is given in cash, transfers or goods.