Adnan Buyung: The Judge Acts Irresponsibly!

Reporter: Imanuel More | Editor: I Made Asdhiana

Thursday, 24th March 2011 | 19:49 Western Indonesia Time

The English Version is published at:

http://www.peacenext.org/profiles/blogs/adnan-buyung-the-judge-acts

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-584837

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Human rights figure cum lawyer, Adnand Buyung Nasution, is concerned with the attitude and personality of the judge who arbitrates the case of the spiritual figure, Anand Krishna. Buyung deems the judge’s attitude, which suggests that Anand is guilty, a violation of the Criminal Procedure and ethical code of a judge.

“I have been practicing my occupation in the field of law for 50 years. This is the first time I saw something like this. There is a judge who already pronounced a defendant guilty before he delivers the official verdict of the court,” utters Adnan Buyung after he visited Anand Krishna at the Police Hospital, Kramat Jati, Jakarta, Thursday (24/3/2011).

According to Buyung, the judge’s deed is irresponsible and violates the Criminal Procedure article 158 and judges’ code of ethics which is independent and impartial.

“Try to imagine, the case is pending; only 9 of the 25 witnesses have been cross-examined, we still have to hear the prosecutors’ demand, we have not heard the defendant’s plea, and there is not yet the court’s verdict. It means there is not enough evidence that he (Anand Krishna) is guilty,” explains Buyung.

On that basis, Buyung regards the treatment of the judge to Anand, which suggests that Anand committed a crime, very unethical. With the trial pending, adds Buyung, it’s not impossible that Anand will be declared not guilty and released afterwards. Therefore, the judge should uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

Buyung also reminds, a judge must uphold the justice. Therefore, a judge as the arbiter must remain impartial; he must not take the side of the litigants, the witnesses, lawyers or prosecutors, let alone outsiders.

“The judge is not hard enough against complains, protests, and opinions from outside,” says the ex-member of Wantimpres (Legal Council to the President of Republic of Indonesia)

He gives example of the judge’s remark when presenting a witness, “Oh, I have to accommodate a letter from outside parties!” According to Buyung, this sentence indicates that the judge took the side of certain parties and bowed to the pressure of the outside parties.

He expects the Judicial Commission can observe the trial of Anand Krishna’s case to evaluate the judge’s attitude.

According to Buyung, he visited Anand Krishna not because of the request of certain parties. “Anand Krishna is a great spiritual figure. He is not only known in Indonesia but also abroad,” confirmed his visit’s purpose.

He adds, a number of Anand’s admirers abroad have requested his help in order to obtain information about Anand Krishna. “They are worried about Anand Krishna,” states Buyung.

Note: This article was translated from bahasa Indonesia

http://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2011/03/24/19493151/Adnan.Buyung...

into English by Sister Sylvia who is working at Belgium now. Thank You Sister...

We need your support to free Anand Krishna Indonesia. He is continuing hunger strike for justice and humanity. Today is the 27th day.

Please visit http://freeanandkrishna.com/en/ and sign in http://www.gopetition.com/petition/43856.html

Many Thanks and Sweet Greetings from Indonesia __/\__