The sentence was only half of the four years demanded by prosecutors last week. The judges also decided not to deny Romy of his political rights.
three-judge panel at the Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced former United Development Party (PPP) chairman Muhammad "Romy" Romahurmuziy to two years’ imprisonment for accepting bribes in relation to promotions in the Religious Affairs Ministry.
"[The court] declares that Mohammad Romahurmuziy has been officially and convincingly proven to be guilty of the crime of corruption," head judge Fazal Hendri said at the Jakarta Corruption Court in Central Jakarta on Monday.
The sentence was only half of the four years demanded by prosecutors last week. The judges also decided not to deny Romy of his political rights.
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators arrested Romy in March 2019 for allegedly accepting Rp 416.4 million in bribes from two Religious Affairs Ministry officials in return for his support for their promotions.
The two officials, Haris Hasanuddin and Muafaq Wirahadi, were both found guilty of bribery and sentenced to two years and 1.5 years in prison, respectively.
In his defense statement, Romy strenuously denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he only accepted Rp 250 million from Haris out of politeness and returned the money afterwards. He denied receiving any money from Muafaq.
After the ruling was read out, both Romy and the prosecutors said that they would consider lodging an appeal.
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