© BAY ISMOYO / POOL / AFP
Jakarta non-active Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama decided to drop the appeal against his conviction for insulting Koran.
The actionwas made on Monday afternoon, not long after Ahok's lawyer team filed the note of appeal to the North Jakarta District Court.
People had been asking why Ahok decided to back off from the legal fight while thousands of his supporters are still out there fighting for his release.
The question was finally answered through a press conference held by Ahoks family and legal team this morning.
Ahoks lawyers, I Wayan Sudirta and Rolas Sitinjak, who started the event, still think that the whole trial process was unfair for their side.
I still dont accept it. They claimed that the statement was about Muslim clerics, but what Ahok meant was politicians (using the Quranic verse as a political tool). Then, the judges talked about his intention (to insult Islam). How could it be when BTP (Ahok) has many Muslim friends and family, when hes eager to build more mosques? After all, didnt experts say that only the person himself and God know about ones intention to do something?, Wayan said, referring to the reasons given by the judges before sentencing Ahok to two years in prison.
We wrote on the appeal note that we have been treated unfairly. The judges did not use our witnesses, statements, evidence nor experts. They only used the ones supporting their decision, Rolas said.
Rolas added that despite Ahok, his family and his legal team withdrew their appeal, the legal process might still be going on.
So, where does it go from here? Well, if the prosecutors still want to proceed with the appeal, its still going on, Rolas said.
But the big question is why they decided to withdraw if they still think that Ahok is a victim and innocent?
Ahoks sister, Fifi Lety Indra, said that it was not an easy decision but it had to be made.
The process is more political than it is legal. Ahok is not afraid, hes a fighter, but he loves peace, Fifi said. My sister, Veronica, will read a letter from him to tell you our reasons.
Ahoks wife, Veronica Tan, then proceeded to read a letter handwritten by Ahok.
To our beloved volunteers and supporters and those who have been involved in the process of democracy, I have been thinking about what Ive been going through and I want to thank you for all of your support the flowers, food, cards, letters, books and even by gathering and lighting the candles, she read with teary eyes.
I know that it wouldnt be easy for you to accept my statement, it wasnt easy for me too, but I have learnt to forgive and accept this if its for the sake of the nation and country. It would be a loss for Jakarta residents if they have to deal with traffic congestion and economic loss should there be more rallies for me again. I worry that should the protest continues, other interests will ride on this issue.
Thank you for the protest, for lighting up candles to defend the constitution and Bhineka Tunggal Ika. Lets show that we believe that God is in sovereign and in control of everyone. Lets show that we have faith and love each other and we will keep on fighting for justice.
Fifi added that she and Ahoks family hope that the decision can be understood by Ahoks supporters.
Its Ahok decision to fight for justice, thats why we let the lawyers to file an appeal. But, the family considered Ahoks letter and we came up with a decision yesterday afternoon (to withdraw), Fifi said. Its not easy, especially after seeing so many fighting for his release. We want to do the same, but we cannot be selfish. We have to put the interest of the people first.
So, we give a big thank you for the volunteers. We know that many might not accept this decision, but its for the greater good.
On May 9, panel of judges found Ahok guilty of blasphemy against Islam and sentenced him with two years imprisonment.
Since then, protest following the announcement of Ahok's detention continue to escalate. More than 9,000 ID cards have been submitted to guarantee the suspension of Ahok from detention.
(brl/red)
