Panel Of Judges Reveals Only Consideration Of Rizieq Shihab's Fines In The Megamendung Case: There Are Inequalities

Rizieq Shihab (DOK VOI)

JAKARTA - The panel of judges at the East Jakarta District Court said there was discrimination in cases of violation of the health protocol (prokes). This is one of the reasons for the judge to only impose a fine in the Megamendung case

This statement began when the panel of judges stated several considerations in determining the verdict in the case.

The panel of judges mentioned that imprisonment as an ultimum remedium is no longer needed. So, after looking at the violations that have occurred in several locations, the COVID-19 Task Force has imposed more humane administrative and social sanctions.

"There has been an imbalance of treatment or discrimination that should not have occurred in the Republic of Indonesia which glorifies the rule of law, not the power," said the judge at the hearing, Thursday, May 27.

In addition, the judge also said that almost all violations of the prokes occurred due to accident. Because the community is saturated with the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There has been neglect of health protocols by the community itself because of saturation with this pandemic condition and there is also a difference in treatment between people and one another," said the judge.

On that basis, the panel of judges decided to only sentence Rizieq to a fine of Rp. 20 million

"Imposing a criminal sanction hanging in confinement (prison). The judge assessed that the act committed by the defendant was a culpa offense or an unintentional act," said the judge.

Previously reported, Rizieq Shihab was sentenced to a fine of Rp. 20 million, subsidiary to 5 months in prison for alleged violations of the health protocol (prokes) in Megamendung. This verdict is lighter than the demands of the public prosecutor (JPU).

In the prosecutor's demands, Rizieq was sentenced to 10 months in prison. In addition, the prosecutor obliged Rizeq to pay a fine of IDR 50 million, a subsidiary of 3 months in prison.