TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tadzkia Nurshafira, the Economic and Social Rights Advocacy Division staff member, the Commission on Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), claimed that legal support for Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar continues to increase. Some 193 lawyers stand ready to assist Haris to face defamation charges, according to her.

Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi) chairman Luhut Pangaribuan has confirmed that hundreds of advocates have expressed their support for Haris. “It might be true [193 advocates],” Luhut told Tempo, Tuesday, August 9, 2016.

Luhut, also the leader of Haris’ defense team, said support for Haris continues to grow. Support has not only be given by Peradi but also by other advocates, according to him.

The main reason for advocates to defend Haris is their commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Indonesia, according to Luhut. In addition, support for Haris has been overwhelming because he is also a member of Peradi.

Haris have been reported to police over his article about Freddy Budiman’s testimony. Three government agencies, namely the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police, as well as a mass organization, Pemuda Panca Marga, have filed defamation charges against Haris to Police Criminal Investigation Unit. Haris has also allegedly violated the Law on Information and Electronic Transactions.

DANANG FIRMANTO