Aggravating Element, Judge: Rizieq Shihab's Actions Are Troubling

Rizieq Shihab/Antara

JAKARTA - The panel of judges at the East Jakarta District Court sentenced Rizieq Shihab to four years in prison in the case of the results of a swab test at the UMMI Hospital. Rizieq was found guilty of spreading false news.

In its decision, the panel of judges assessed that the actions of the former Grand Imam of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) were troubling to the public. This was stated by the panel of judges as an aggravating element.

"The circumstances are aggravating, the defendant's actions are troubling to the public," said presiding judge Khadwanto when reading Rizieq's verdict at the East Jakarta District Court, Thursday, June 24.

In addition to the aggravating elements, the judge also considered the mitigating factors for Rizieq. The mitigating thing is that Rizieq still has family responsibilities.

"The mitigating thing is that the defendant still has family responsibilities and is a religious teacher," said Khadwanto.

Rizieq Shihab previously without a second thought immediately appealed the verdict of four years in prison. Rizieq stated that he could not accept this decision.

"Among them were the prosecutors who presented forensic experts even though the forensic expert witnesses were never present at this court. Second, I object to the panel of judges no longer using authentic results in the application of Article 14 paragraph (1) of Law No. 1/1946," said Rizieq

"I hereby reject the judge's decision and I declare an appeal," continued Rizieq

Similarly, Rizieq's team of lawyers, represented by Sugito Atmo Prawiro, also stated that they rejected the judge's decision. They did not accept that their client was sentenced to imprisonment.

"Our legal advisors will also appeal the decision," said Sugito.