Facts Of The Rizieq Shihab's Court Drama

Rizieq Shihab. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The first trial of three Rizieq Shihab cases has been completed. Even though in the process there were so many incidents that occurred. Starting from the lawyer who was not allowed to enter to Rizieq's silence during the trial.

Three cases were tried, namely, the alleged violation of the Petamburan and Megamendung health protocols, as well as the results of the swab at the Bogor UMMI Hospital.

The trial drama started from the very beginning. In fact, before the trial began.

Dozens of Rizieq Shihab's lawyers were prohibited from entering by the police. This, too, caused serious debate. It is not uncommon for the Rizieq camp to shout loudly.

They questioned the reasons behind the ban on entry to the court.

"What is the reason for not being allowed to enter? We are Rizieq Shihab's official attorneys. We have a power of attorney," said a Rizieq lawyer, Friday, March 19.

However, the police did not explain the reasons behind the ban. Not long after, representatives from the East Jakarta District Court came out and chatted with the lawyers.

However, it was not clear what they were talking about. What is clear is that even though there are representatives, the lawyers are still not allowed to enter.

In the end, only Munarman and Alamsyah Hanafiah, and two other lawyers were allowed to enter. The rest remain outside.

Supporters of Rizieq Shihab

Despite the debate between the police and lawyers, supporters of Rizieq Shihab from various regions came to the East Jakarta District Court (PN). They want to see firsthand the trial process.

One by one the pro-Rizieq masses arrived. The majority of supporters are women. They gathered in front of the court because they were not allowed to enter.

One of Rizieq's supporters who drew attention was a girl with a pink mask. Because she is only the youngest when compared to other supporters.

The girl who wore brown clothes combined with purple seemed not to understand the surrounding conditions. Because she shows body gestures that reflect this.

In the midst of the mass of supporters who continued to talk about the reasons for not being allowed to enter, this girl was silent. Every now and then she turned left and right to pay attention to her surroundings.

In addition, another supporter who drew attention was Neno Warisman. She deliberately came to witness the reading of the indictment process, even though her goal was not fulfilled

It's just that, Neno Warisman said the people had prayed the best for Rizieq Shihab.

"The law of God goes back and forth, the people have prayed," said Neno Warisman.

Neno Warisman comes to East Jakarta District Court ahead of Rizieq Shihab's trial (YouTube eradotid)

She also highlighted Rizieq Shihab's online trial. Neno made comparisons with other events.

"If you gather in other places it is not a problem but if it's Habib Rizieq, it becomes a problem. So my hope is that this is the sentence of a criminal expert, saying that judges and prosecutors use mirrors, mirrors, mirrors. But this is the sentence of a criminal expert, looking inside himself," said Neno Warisman.

According to her, Rizieq Shihab's trial was not only a national spotlight but international attention. Therefore, according to Neno Warisman, the trial must be fair.

"So the absence of the defendant (at trial) is a big precedent, not only national concern. But harm to a democratic country that we should protect," said Neno Warisman.

Rizieq Shihab's drama

The debate did not only involve the police and Rizieq Shihab's supporters. This is because Rizieq also had an argument with the prosecutor.

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This debate began when the prosecutor tried to present Rizieq in a room at the Police Criminal Investigation Unit which was considered a courtroom. Given that the trial of all Rizieq's cases was conducted online.

Rizieq Shihab, who refused the online trial, did not accept that an officer had recorded it at that time. In fact, this was only limited to showing the conditions that had occurred to the prosecutor and the panel of judges who were at the East Jakarta District Court.

"What is this tape?" said Rizieq Shihab.

"Make documentation," replied the officer.

"I did not attend the online trial. My online trial was not ready. My rights are protected by law," said Rizieq Shihab.

Tensions continued over today's trial. Rizieq questioned the recorded video.

"Don't joke, it's not a soap opera," said Rizieq Shihab.

Until finally, the trial for the first case, namely the alleged violation of the health protocol in Petamburan, was officially opened. But during the trial process, Rizieq chose to remain silent even though the panel of judges repeatedly asked him questions.

Rizieq continued to do the same thing during the trial process for the other two cases.

In fact, Rizieq Shihab, who at that time was undergoing trial for the third case in the indictment of the fake news swab test at the Bogor UMMI Hospital, came to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) room by standing up. The panel of judges asked Rizieq Shihab to sit down, but Rizieq was silent.

"Brother defendant heard my voice you were invited to sit by the panel of judges," said judge Khadwanto during the trial.

Crowds of supporters of Rizieq Shihab. (Front TV)

After that Rizieq Shihab disappeared from the screen. The public prosecutor confirmed that Rizieq remained in the room. The spotlight shows Rizieq Shihab sitting alone.

"The defendant was not willing to answer the panel of judges' questions?" asked the judge.

"Brother defendant, the panel of judges reminded you, based on the provisions of Article 154 paragraph 4, I read the full sound. The presence of the defendant in the courtroom is an obligation of the defendant. It is not a right. So the defendant must be present in court," said Judge Khadwanto.

"Once again the panel of judges asked you if you were willing to answer the panel of judges' questions," said the judge.

Rizieq Shihab remains silent. Rizieq looks still sitting alone.

"Defendant, please answer the panel of judges' questions. Once again, the panel of judges reminded you that your obligation to be in the courtroom is an obligation, also ethically you must obey the orders of the panel of judges in the courtroom," said the judge.

Rizieq Shihab did not flinch and remained silent. The judge decided to order the public prosecutor to read the indictment.

After the reading of the indictment was completed, Rizieq Shihab remained reluctant to comment on the charges. He did not want to speak when the judge gave him the opportunity to submit objections or exceptions to this case.

"Did the defendant understand that? You did not answer," said Chief Judge Khadwanto.

"Will the defendant file an objection or an exception against the indictment?" Said the judge asking.

However, there was no answer from Rizieq Shihab. The judge also asked the prosecutor at the Police Criminal Investigation Unit to bring the microphone closer to Rizieq Shihab. However, when the camera was focused on Rizieq Shihab, he was seen praying.

"If you're praying, wait until it's finished," said the judge.

After Rizieq finished praying, the judge again asked about Rizieq's response. However, Rizieq remained silent. After the prayer, Rizieq was seen immediately reciting the Koran.

"Good if there is no response then Friday, March 26, the trial will be continued by presenting witnesses. The trial is closed," said the judge.

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