Judge Says Ammar Zoni Will Be Presented Directly During Evidence

Ammar Zoni (VOI Team)

JAKARTA During the trial of the alleged drug abuse case, Ammar Zoni again expressed his desire to attend the trial in person (offline) on the agenda of the interim decision scheduled for next week.

However, the panel of judges has not granted the request. The judge emphasized that Ammar's physical presence was only needed when the trial entered the evidentiary stage.

This application was submitted by Ammar Zoni directly to the presiding judge in an online trial. He hopes to be in the courtroom to hear directly the verdict on the objection note (exception) that has been submitted by his legal team.

"Your Majesty... permission. Is it allowed for us to attend next week's decision which Your Honor conveyed? For an interim or final decision, we can be there offline," Ammar Zoni asked from behind the virtual screen at the Central Jakarta District Court, Thursday, November 20.

Responding to this, the presiding judge explained that Ammar's written application had been received. However, the panel is of the opinion that the defendant's physical presence has not become an urgency in the agenda of reading interim decisions.

"The panel of judges considers that your statement later on the evidence is needed to be present at the trial. So for next week, which is still an interim decision, it is not necessary," said the judge.

The judge added that the trial still refers to the Supreme Court Regulation (PERMA) which allows the judicial process to be held electronically.

He emphasized that the presence of Ammar Zoni will only be mandatory when the trial enters the evidentiary stage.

"Later, if the proof is needed, your statement will be needed. Well, that's when it might be needed," he explained.

On that occasion, Ammar also expressed his hope that the panel of judges could give a fair verdict.

"God willing, we only pray that Your Majesty can provide true justice," said Ammar.

The judge also gave a wise response to the meaning of justice.

"Yes, we are trying. The name justice is relative. In our opinion, justice is not necessarily fair according to others. So we are only trying to provide justice in our opinion," replied the judge.