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Atut delivers '€˜dramatic'€™ defense

Suspended Banten governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah gave an emotional defense statement during her graft trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday, saying that she had been the victim of a scheme devised by former Constitutional Court (MK) chief justice Akil Mochtar

Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Fri, August 22, 2014

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Atut delivers '€˜dramatic'€™ defense

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uspended Banten governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah gave an emotional defense statement during her graft trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday, saying that she had been the victim of a scheme devised by former Constitutional Court (MK) chief justice Akil Mochtar.

Atut broke down while lamenting that the 10-year sentence demanded by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was '€œtoo heavy'€ and '€œshocking'€.

Tearfully, Atut, who wore a long-sleeved batik shirt and black headscarf, pleaded to the panel of judges that she was '€œonly a victim'€, and not a mastermind as accused, in the bribery case involving Akil, who was sentenced to life in prison for the case.

'€œI'€™ve been victimized! My brother and I have been victimized by sly Akil in cahoots with Susi and Amir. They all used my name in the bribery scheme as if I were close to them,'€ Atut said in her statement, referring to her brother Tubagus Chaeri '€œWawan'€ Wardana, lawyer Susi Tur Andayani and Lebak regent Amir Hamzah.

Atut was arrested for allegedly instructing Wawan to pay a Rp 1 billion (US$ 85,524) bribe to Akil, to be delivered through Susi, so that the chief justice would approve Amir'€™s appeal to annul the victory of winning candidate Iti Jayabaya in the 2013 Lebak election. Wawan and Susi have already been sentenced, while Amir remains free.

In the defense statement, Atut also urged the KPK to charge Amir.

Atut, notorious for living a lavish lifestyle while Banten remains mired in poverty, was the first female to be elected governor, as well the first female governor to be arrested for graft.

Much of Banten applauded her arrest and urged the KPK to investigate the alleged mass corruption of Atut'€™s family members, who are in control of five of Banten'€™s eight regencies and cities.

Local activists in Banten said that Atut had masterminded the bribery scheme in order to take control of Lebak, a regency currently under the control of the rival Jayabaya political dynasty.

Thursday'€™s hearing took a dramatic turn when Atut addressed her family members in her defense statement.

'€œMy family members are expecting to see justice be done in the near future when the judges read their verdict. They believe that I am only a victim in this case,'€ Atut said, pausing to wipe away tears. '€œAs a mother and grandmother, I am sad to see my family members'€™ pain at seeing me being victimized.'€

Atut also said that members of her family were now subject to ridicule.

She claimed that her youngest granddaughter Ananda had had to quit school because of bullying.

'€œMy oldest granddaughter has also been bullied at school. Please, accept your grandma'€™s apology for what has happened to you,'€ Atut said. Ananda and her sister Andiara Aprilia, who were present in the courtroom, were brought to tears by the statement.

Atut said she expected the judges to make an '€œindependent'€ ruling and resist any pressure from the many parties who longed for her downfall.

The panel of judges is expected to read their verdict on Atut on Sept. 1.

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