Pagar Laut Case, Kades Kohod Divonis 3.5 Years in Prison

SERANG - The Corruption Court (Tipikor) Court of Serang District Court sentenced the Head of Kohod Village, Arsin, and three other defendants to 3 years and 6 months in prison in the corruption case for the construction of a sea fence in Tangerang Regency, Banten.

"To impose a sentence of imprisonment for 3 years and 6 months on the defendants," said the Chairperson of the Panel of Judges, Hasanuddin, in the reading of the verdict at the Serang Corruption Court, Banten, Tuesday, January 13, reported by ANTARA.

The other three defendants who were also sentenced in this case were the Secretary of Kohod Village, Ujang Karta, lawyer Septian Prasetyo, and journalist Chandra Eka Agung Wahyudi.

In addition to the body penalty, the four defendants are also required to pay a fine of Rp. 100 million each. If the fine is not paid, it will be replaced with a 6-month imprisonment.

The judge considered that the defendants were proven to be legally and convincingly guilty of violating Article 9 in conjunction with Article 18 paragraph (1) letter b of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. 1.

In his consideration, the judge highlighted the aggravating circumstances, namely the defendants Arsin and Ujang Karta as village officials should realize a government that is free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN).

Meanwhile, the defendant Septian as a lawyer was considered to have reminded his client not to violate the law, and the defendant Chandra as a journalist should provide balanced information to the public.

"The situation is easing, the defendant has never been convicted, has been polite during the trial, and has admitted and regretted his actions," said Hasanuddin.

The verdict handed down by the panel of judges is in accordance (conform) with the demands of the Public Prosecutor (JPU) who previously also sentenced the four defendants to 3 years and 6 months in prison.

Based on the verdict, the panel of judges gave time to the defendants and the JPU to determine their stance, whether to accept the verdict or appeal.

By Desi Purnama Sari