TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Setya Novanto’s former lawyer Fredrich Yunadi said that his arrest made by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was a form of criminalization against lawyers. He also urged all Indonesian lawyers to boycott the anti-graft commission.

“I urge all Indonesian lawyers to boycott the KPK,” said Fredrich at the KPK headquarters on Monday, January 15.

Read: KPK Nabs Fredrich Yunadi for Obstruction of Justice

The KPK on Wednesday, January 10, named Fredrich as a suspect for obstructing justice and allegedly attempting to hamper KPK’s investigation against Setya Novanto.

Fredrich claimed that the KPK had insulted the Constitutional Court and the Law on advocates.

“They don’t have proof,” said Fredrich.

KPK deputy chief Laode Muhammad Syarif dismissed Fredrich’s statement by saying that Friedrich had drawn an incorrect conclusion implicating that legal proceedings against him was an act against lawyers and advocates. “There are many lawyers who do their job without hampering any law enforcement efforts,” said Laode.

Read: KPK Questions Doctor of RS Medika for Suspect Fredrich Yunadi

Academician and lawyer Abdul Fickar Hadjar views that the KPK’s decision to arrest Fredrich is not a form of criminalization against lawyers.

“Fredrich Yunadi’s behavior in defending Setya Novanto as a lawyer does not represent Indonesian lawyers as a whole,” he said.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI