Rizieq's Verdict Was Lightened Because Religious Figures Were Admired By The People, Denny Siregar: What People? Bad Prayers, Insulting!

JAKARTA - The East Jakarta District Court judge has reduced the fine sentence to Rizieq Shihab in the case of violation of the Megamendung health protocol (prokes). The reason for reducing the verdict was because Rizieq was a religious figure who was admired by the people.

The judge's consideration received harsh criticism from social media activist Denny Siregar. Through his Twitter account, Denny wanted the judge to look back at Rizieq's activities so far.

"The judge said that Rizieq is a religious figure who is admired by the people. I want to play the video of Rizieq who is insulting, praying badly, again insulting,"

"People what? Ummah Kadrun yes .." said Denny to @ Dennysiregar7 quoted on Thursday, May 27.

The judge said that Rizieq is a religious figure who is admired by the people. I want to play the video of Rizieq who is angry, bad prayer, insulting ... What are you doing? Kadrun ummah yes ...

- Denny siregar (@ Dennysiregar7) May 27, 2021

The same thing was also expressed by Ferdinand Hutahaean. The former Democrat who is active on social media believes that the judge's consideration makes everyone different in the eyes of the law.

"With this, judges have made human differences in the eyes of the law. That in fact, not all humans are equal before the law, this is proof, religious figures are distinguished by judges in the eyes of the law," said Ferdinand to @ FerdinandHaean3.

The panel of judges at the East Jakarta District Court said there was discrimination in cases of violation of the health protocol (prokes). This is one of the reasons for the judge to only impose a fine in the Megamendung case

This statement began when the panel of judges stated several considerations in determining the verdict in the case.

The panel of judges mentioned that imprisonment as an ultimum remedium is no longer needed. So, after looking at the violations that have occurred in several locations, the COVID-19 Task Force has imposed more humane administrative and social sanctions.

"There has been an imbalance of treatment or discrimination that should not have occurred in the Republic of Indonesia which glorifies the rule of law, not the power," said the judge at the hearing, Thursday, May 27.

The Panel of Judges also stated that one of the considerations was only to impose fine sanctions on the former frontman of the Islamic Defenders Front, namely community leaders who are admired by the people.

"The defendant is a religious figure who is admired by the people. It is hoped that it can foster community education in the future to comply with government regulations for the benefit of the community," said the judge.