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Ex-minister Syahrul asks graft court to speed up money laundering probe
Syahrul, who is charged with bribery, has petitioned the Jakarta Corruption Court to accelerate an ongoing money laundering probe to expedite his graft case to trial, citing his health and age.
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Former agriculture minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo (second left, front), a NasDem Party politician, leaves the Jakarta Corruption Court on Feb. 28, 2024 following his indictment for bribery. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
T
he former agriculture minister has asked the corruption court in Central Jakarta to expedite his case to trial by speeding up all ongoing legal processes, including a money laundering probe by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Syahrul Yasin Limpo is charged with extortion and receiving gratuities of Rp 44.5 billion (US$2.7 billion) during his tenure as agriculture minister from 2020 to 2023.
The KPK is also investigating him for alleged money laundering.
He brought up his health and age as reasons for his request.
"I am getting thinner. Therefore, I request prompt consideration in continuing the money laundering probe, or something like that, your honor. Thank you," Syahrul told presiding judge Rianto Adam Pontoh on Monday at the Jakarta Corruption Court, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Judge Rianto responded to the 70-year-old's petition by explaining that the court operated passively and could not compel the state prosecutor to accelerate proceedings to trial. He also emphasized that the investigative and prosecutorial powers lay with their respective agencies, like the KPK.
"It is not within the panel's authority to order you to be brought to trial as quickly as possible," Rianto said.
