Tom Lembong Files An Appeal Against Sentence 4.5 Years Of Sugar Corruption Case

JAKARTA - The former Minister of Trade's (Mendag) camp, Thomas Trikasih Lembong, Tom Lembong's eyebrows, decided to appeal the verdict or a 4.5-year sentence in the case of alleged corruption in sugar imports.

The legal action was conveyed by Tom Lembong's attorney, Ari Yusuf Amir. The plan is for an appeal to be made on Tuesday, July 22.

"Yes, it has been decided that we will appeal on Tuesday, sentenced to only one day, Mr. Tom will appeal," Amir told reporters quoted Monday, July 21.

According to him, there were several considerations in deciding to file an appeal. One of them is the absence of a mens rea or Tom Lembong's evil intentions.

"The consideration of Mens Rea in detail shows irregularities, irregularities, and doubts of the Council in making a decision so that if considering the principle in the dubio pro reo, the defendant should be released," he said.

In addition, Amir also conveyed that Tom Lembong's mens rea did not refer to the facts of the trial. Instead, it only refers to the testimony of witnesses contained in the Minutes of Investigation (BAP).

"This is wrong, because the testimony of witnesses who are considered evidence is the testimony of witnesses who were heard and presented at the trial. The testimony of witnesses who are used as the basis for consideration stands alone so that there is no agreement, so it is not included in the minimum of proof," said Amir.

Tom Lembong was found guilty in a corruption case of sugar importation for the 2015-2016 period. Thus, the panel of judges sentenced him to 4.5 years in prison

In addition to imprisonment, the panel of judges also imposed a fine on Tom Lembong. The value reaches Rp. 750 million.

The criminal fine was given on the condition that if it was not paid, it would be replaced with imprisonment for six months.

"Sentenced the defendant Thomas Trikasih Lembong to imprisonment for 4 years and 6 months," said judge Dannie Arsan.

In the verdict, Tom Lembong's actions were deemed to have violated Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended and supplemented by Law Number 20 of 2001 in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code.