Romli Atmasasmita Refuses To Be A Vulnerable Witness, Firli Bahuri Is Looking For A Substitute Figure

KPK chairman Firli Bahuri after fulfilling the summons of the KPK Council at the KPK Anti-Corruption Education Center Building (ACLC), Jakarta, Monday, November 20. (Between-M Risyal Hidayat)

The former KPK chairman Firli Bahuri will propose a new name to be a mitigating witness in the alleged extortion case of former Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL.

This step was taken after criminal law expert, Romli Atmasasmita, refused to be a witness a de charge for Firli Bahuri.

"Yes, of course (will file a new mitigating witness)," said Firli Bahuri's attorney, Ian Iskandar to VOI, Wednesday, January 3.

However, regarding the figure who will be used as a mitigating witness, Ian has not been able to speak much. The reason is that his team is looking for credible legal experts to give his views.

"We are still exploring several legal figures," said Ian.

Meanwhile, Romli Atmasasmita was not willing to be a light witness for Firli Bahuri. But, as an expert witness.

Even that rejection, said Romli, had been conveyed to Firli Bahuri, including investigators from the Polda Metro Jaya.

"There is no relief from experts, it is burdensome. Because the experts are asked by the suspect to make it easier, no, that's wrong. I'm an expert, if the correct expert can't be mitigated, you have to tell me what is in accordance with his knowledge, just be objective," said Romli.

Firli Bahuri had originally proposed three witnesses to lighten or a de charge in the alleged extortion case against the former Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who named him a suspect.

They include Prof. Romli Atmasasmita, Prof. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, and Prof. Suparji Ahmad.

The three names of mitigating witnesses have been submitted to Polda Metro Jaya investigators through a registered letter number 251/IISPA/XII/2023, dated December 20.

The appointment of the three was carried out shortly after KPK Deputy Chair Alexander Marwata rejected Firli Bahuri's request.