Juliari Batubara Asks Judges To End His Suffering, KPK Believes He's Guilty

Former Minister of Social Affairs Juliari Batubara (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Former Social Minister Juliari Batubara was sentenced to 11 years in prison by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with the alleged corruption case of the Jabodetabek COVID-19 social assistance (Bansos). Juliari said the prosecutor was proven to have accepted bribes for the social assistance.

However, in a pledoi delivered by Juliari Batubara a few days ago, he asked the judge to be acquitted of all charges and demands of the KPK Prosecutor. Because, this case has made him and his family suffer.

"To the Honorable Panel of Judges, please end our suffering by acquitting me of all charges," said Juliari in his plea at the Corruption Court, Monday, August 9.

The former PDI-P politician also mentioned the condition of his son who is still young and needs a father figure. For that, he asked the judge to release him.

"In my mind, only the Honorable Panel of Judges can put an end to the inner and outer suffering of my family, who have suffered not only humiliation, but also blasphemy for something they don't understand. The storm of hatred and blasphemy against me and my family will end hanging with the decision of the Honorable Panel of Judges," said Juliari. The KPK did not bother with Juliari's request to the judge. Because the KPK believes that with the available evidence, Juliari will be found guilty by the judge.

"KPK is optimistic that what has been described in the indictment will be proven and the panel of judges will grant the public prosecutor's order," Ali told reporters, Tuesday, August 10.

He said the evidence in the description of the KPK prosecutor's juridical analysis was also in accordance with the facts of the trial. "So we believe the panel of judges in their consideration will take over the legal facts," said Ali.