Hargo.co.id, GORONTALO – Two defendants in the September 21, 2023, riot case, namely AJ alias Ajo and AM alias Opan, are suspected to be victims of wrongful arrest by certain police officers while securing the demonstration that escalated into turmoil.
Regarding the allegations of wrongful arrest, the legal counsel for the defendants will seek to scrutinize the testimonies of witnesses presented by the public prosecutor.
According to Susanto Kadir, they have gathered evidence showing that both clients were not involved at all in the vandalism of the company office, KUD Dharma Tani, Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), the Regent’s office, and the burning of the Pohuwato Regent’s office.
In the upcoming trial, Susanto stated that they would also attempt to examine the testimonies of witnesses and then compare them with the examination reports (BAP) conducted by the investigators.
“If there are inconsistencies, we may request a verification of the witnesses’ statements. So, the investigators who examined our clients will be summoned to see whether there was manipulation or pressure from police officers during this examination. Because the witnesses say that they (the clients) did nothing. But suddenly, they became suspects,” he concluded.
“If, for example, we find evidence of BAP manipulation, any unlawful actions, we will take legal action. Whether reporting to the Internal Affairs Division (Propam) or something else, we will see later,” he added. (*)
Author: Riyan Lagili
