Blora, C. Java, ANTARA JATENG - The Blora Court in Central Java on Monday sentenced author Bambang Tri Mulyono of the controversial book titled "Jokowi Undercover" to three years in jail for delivering hate speeches.
A panel of judges, in its verdict, said that the defendant was guilty of continuously disseminating information to spark hatred and hostility among individuals.
Bambang has violated Law No. 19 of 2016 on amendment of Law No. 11 of 2008 on electronic information and transactions.
"Hence, the panel of judges has sentenced the defendant to three years in jail," Makmurin Kusumastuti, chief of the panel of judges, stated.
The judges, in reaching the final verdict, took into account several aspects, including the defendant`s work that targeted the president of the Republic of Indonesia who should be respected as the head of state.
In addition, the defendant`s work has sparked public anxiety, and he refused to plead guilty.
The verdict was lesser than the prosecutor`s demand of four years` jail term.
Bambang, who looked calm during the trial, said he will file an appeal in a higher court.
Public prosecutor Hariyono said he would also consider an appeal.
The police arrested Bambang for writing a book on Jokowi that the police claimed was not based on valid data and references.
The police charged Bambang with violating Article 207 of the Criminal Code on defamation against the government and state institutions.
He was also charged with delivering hate speeches and for violating Article 28 of Law No. 11 of 2008 on electronic information and transactions.
A panel of judges, in its verdict, said that the defendant was guilty of continuously disseminating information to spark hatred and hostility among individuals.
Bambang has violated Law No. 19 of 2016 on amendment of Law No. 11 of 2008 on electronic information and transactions.
"Hence, the panel of judges has sentenced the defendant to three years in jail," Makmurin Kusumastuti, chief of the panel of judges, stated.
The judges, in reaching the final verdict, took into account several aspects, including the defendant`s work that targeted the president of the Republic of Indonesia who should be respected as the head of state.
In addition, the defendant`s work has sparked public anxiety, and he refused to plead guilty.
The verdict was lesser than the prosecutor`s demand of four years` jail term.
Bambang, who looked calm during the trial, said he will file an appeal in a higher court.
Public prosecutor Hariyono said he would also consider an appeal.
The police arrested Bambang for writing a book on Jokowi that the police claimed was not based on valid data and references.
The police charged Bambang with violating Article 207 of the Criminal Code on defamation against the government and state institutions.
He was also charged with delivering hate speeches and for violating Article 28 of Law No. 11 of 2008 on electronic information and transactions.