Does Antasari Deserve a Pardon?

President Joko Widodo's decision to grant Antasari Azhar clemency has raised questions. Convicted over the murder of Nasrudin Zulkarnaen, director of Putra Rajawali Banjaran company, Antasari feels he was made a scapegoat during the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Now, President Jokowi has apparently used his prerogative to undermine Yudhoyono, who still wields considerable political influence.

It is difficult to avoid the drama surrounding this clemency. Antasari, a former chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has often claimed his case was engineered. So now, he has been invited to Merdeka Palace by Jokowi. Antasari, who was sentenced to 18 years in jail, has been out on parole since he was given remissions totaling 6 years. In jail since 2010, his sentence has been reduced by 4 and half years, meaning he is now a free man.

February 14, 2017

President Joko Widodo's decision to grant Antasari Azhar clemency has raised questions. Convicted over the murder of Nasrudin Zulkarnaen, director of Putra Rajawali Banjaran company, Antasari feels he was made a scapegoat during the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Now, President Jokowi has apparently used his prerogative to undermine Yudhoyono, who still wields considerable political influence.

It is difficult to avoid the d

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