Three of his client's cars were returned, Noel's lawyer criticized the KPK's OTT handling mechanism

JAKARTA - The legal team of Immanuel Ebenezer (Noel) launched a harsh criticism of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) after receiving the return of three vehicles belonging to Immanuel and his family from the State Seized Property Storage House (Rupbasan) KPK in Cawang, East Jakarta, Monday, July 20.

Noel's lawyer, Aziz Yanuar, assessed that the return of the vehicle proved that the cars previously associated with his client were not related to the case that ensnared the former Deputy Minister of Manpower.

"This proves that all the luxury cars or vehicles that have been framed from the beginning to the trial as belonging to Mr. Immanuel are not his. In fact, three cars belonging to Mr. Immanuel and his family were returned because they had nothing to do with the case," said Aziz.

Aziz also claimed that the facts of the trial did not prove the existence of a PJK3 entrepreneur who was extorted by Immanuel Ebenezer as the narrative developed at the beginning of the handling of the case.

Furthermore, he accused the KPK of often glorifying the hand-in-hand operation (OTT) so as to form public opinion before the entire process of proof was completed in court.

"OTT is glorified so that it becomes a character murder against someone. According to us, this must be corrected because it is against the principle of presumption of innocence," he said.

According to Aziz, his party also questioned the determination of a number of confiscated goods that had been directed as Immanuel's property, although according to him the vehicle was the asset of another suspect in the same case.

He even said Immanuel had prepared a number of data that were claimed to be related to the alleged violations committed by the KPK and would be submitted at the right time.

"We believe there are various things that we will later convey. The data is being prepared by Mr. Immanuel," he said.

Apart from legal issues, Immanuel's family also conveyed a political message. Immanuel's wife, Silvia Harefa, appreciated the Execution Prosecutor for the smooth process of returning the vehicle.

"I represent Mr. Immanuel Ebenezer to thank the Execution Prosecutor because the process of returning the car went smoothly," said Silvia.

Silvia then conveyed her husband's political message to President Prabowo Subianto.

"Mr. Immanuel hopes Mr. Prabowo is vigilant. According to him, the period from 2026 to 2027 will be a betrayal among the elite who are in the President's circle. That is his political message," he said.

Until this news was released, there was no response from the KPK regarding the statement of Immanuel Ebenezer's legal team.

Previously, Immanuel Ebenezer had been found guilty in the gratification case by the court, while the return of the vehicle was carried out because it was stated that it was not related to the evidence of the case based on the decision which has become legally binding.