TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Regional Representative Council (DPD) speaker Irman Gusman will file a pretrial motion following his arrest by the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) on September 17. Irman’s defense lawyer Razman Arief Nasution said the pretrial motion will be based on the lack of arrest warrant against Irman Gusman. “I have found a lot of irregularities, it must be tested in a pretrial hearing,” Razman said on Sunday, September 25, 2016.

The KPK Public Relation acting chief Yuyuk Andriati Iskak said her office was ready to face Irman’s pretrial motion. According to her, suspects reserve the right to file a pretrial motion. “After all, it’s not the first time that the KPK face such motion,” Yuyuk said.

Irman was arrested by the KPK investigators on September 17 for allegedly accepting Rp100 bribes from CV Semesta Berjaya president director Xaveriandy Sutanto. The KPK suspects that the money was given as a return favor to Irman for his influence as a senator in securing increased sugar import quota from Bulog.

The KPK deputy chief Laode Muhammad Syarif had denied allegations that KPK investigators had violated arrest procedures against Irman. “We would not have carried out the sting operation, let alone to a high profile one, if it’s not done properly,” Laode said.

Irman is charged with violating Article 12 a or b of Anti-Corruption Law which stipulates criminal charges against state officials who accept gifts or promise to act or not act during their tenure against their responsibility. Irman could face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a Rp1 billion fine.

MUHAMAD RIZKI