AL AMIEN NUR NASUTION: (JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

The Corruption Court appeared in no celebratory mood Monday, despite the holiday period, as it handed down its verdict to former legislator Al Amien Nur Nasution, sentencing him to eight years in prison for bribery and blackmail.

The panel of justices also ordered the United Development Party (PPP) politician to pay Rp 250 million (US$23,256) in fines or face an additional six months in prison.

The verdict was lower than the 15-year sentence, Rp 500 million fine and Rp 2.9 billion restitutions demanded by the prosecution.

“The defendant has been proven legally and convincingly guilty of violating article 11 and 12 (e) under the 1999 anticorruption law as demanded by the prosecutors in their subsidiary indictments,” presiding justice Edward Pattinasarani read the verdict Monday.

Al Amien — whose trial attracted the attention of gossip shows due to the involvement in the proceedings of his dangdut singer Kristina, who is filing for a divorce — was convicted of multiple charges, including bribery in a case centering on the development of a protected forest area in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, and Bintan, Riau.

He was also convicted of blackmail for his role in the procurement of a global positioning system, including GPS handhelds, and sanitation equipment for the Forestry Ministry.

The prosecutors had brought against him charges of bribery but the justices dismissed the allegations, saying Al Amien had not had the authority to influence a decision made by the

House of Representatives Commission IV overseeing forestry and agricultural issues that was the focus of the charges.

“The defendant, as an in-dividual, could not have dominated the voting of among 50 other Commission members and he is not proven guilty of violating the bri-bery charge,” justice Hendra Yospin said.

The justice said the defendant’s vague testimonies during the trial had not aided his defense, but added that his polite behavior and previously clean track record had.

“He has also tainted the image of the House of Representatives and cheated the trust of the people,” Edward said.

“The defendant has never been punished before and he still has a family to be taken care of.

He is still young and we expect he can still improve himself.” Al Amien said he would appeal the verdict.

“I respect the verdict but I will continue to search for justice. I will appeal soon,” he added.

His lawyer, Sirra Prayuna, said he had not decided on a course of action for his client.

“I need to read the verdict first,” he said.

Chief prosecutor Suwarji said he would in the next seven days determine his next course of action against Al Amien.

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