IPW Considers Ferdy Sambo's Death Sentence Don't Fit the Crime

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) Sugeng Teguh Santoso asserted that the death penalty sentenced to Ferdy Sambo did not fit the crime. Sugeng argued that even though the act committed by the former head of the National Police's Professional and Security Division or Propam was cruel, it was not a sadistic one.

"IPW saw that Sambo did not deserve the death penalty because the crime was indeed cruel, but not sadistic, and even happened out of control. Motives for revenge or anger for any reason manifested in evil actions that do not cause long torment prior to death are not crimes of sadism," said Sugeng in a written statement on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Sugeng believed that the judge's ruling must be respected, but the decision was problematic. Judge Wahyu Iman Santoso's verdict, Sugeng argued, might generate a potential new problem in the National Police.

Sambo, Sugeng added, was certainly disappointed with this decision and would likely file an appeal or judicial review.

"The decision of the panel of judges does not include factors that lighten the sentence although they exist, such as being polite, having never been convicted, and having dedication and achievements while serving in office," said Sugeng.

Sugeng also considered the decision stemmed from public pressure due to massive reporting. "...and judges cannot escape from this pressure."

The panel of judges handed down a death sentence to Ferdy Sambo for masterminding the murder of his own aide Nofriansyah Yosua Hutabarat at today’s verdict hearing at the South Jakarta District Court, Monday, February 13, 2023.

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA

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