Irawaty Wardany, Jakarta – The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has set up a public examination team to verify a court verdict acquitting former top spy Muchdi Purwopranjono of the murder of rights activist Munir Said Thalib.

"We indirectly questioned the court's decision to exonerate the suspect in this case. We need to verify all evidence and the trial process in the case," Komnas HAM chairman Ifdhal Kasim said Monday.

The South Jakarta District Court acquitted Muchdi last year, saying prosecutors had failed to present solid evidence the defendant had played a role in Munir's death.

Munir died from arsenic poisoning on board a Garuda flight from Singapore to Amsterdam on Sept. 7, 2004.

Ifdhal said it was a controversial case and any decision related to it would have an impact on future human rights campaigns. "The results of the examination will only give a different perspective for judges and the judiciary, not influence their decision," he said.

The team comprises legal sociologist Soetandyo Wignjosoebroto, criminal expert Mudzakkir, lawyer Frans Hendra Winarta, public administration expert Fajroel Falaakh and rights expert M. Rudi Rizki. Komnas deputy chairman Ridha Saleh said the team had convened its first meeting on Feb. 13 and was expected to finish its work in two months' time.