Minister of face House on leniency for drug sentencing

Margareth s. Aritonang, Jakarta, Jakarta Post | National | Tue, October 16 2012, 11: 50 AM

Law and human rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin has called for the House to discuss the clemency given to drug convict Deni Setia Maharwan.

The Minister would be expected to discuss why President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Deni the death penalty converted into life imprisonment, Tjatur Sapto Edy legislator, vice-Chairman of the House Commission III supervision and human rights, told reporters on Wednesday.

"The President made his final decision on the matter based on suggestions from his assistants, among them the law and human rights Minister," said Tjatur.

"I want him to reveal political reasons to grant such leniency that create a bad precedent for our commitment to combat drug dealers, ' Tjatur added.

Deni was sentenced to death on 22 August 2000 by the District Court of Tangerang to try to smuggle 3 kilograms cocaine and 3.5 kg heroin from the country. (iwa)