Mita Amalia Hapsari, Jakarta – A judge in Jakarta ruled for former vice justice minister Edward Omar Sharief Hiariej on Tuesday and ordered the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to drop corruption charges against him.

Edward, also known as Eddy Hiariej, was named a corruption suspect in November for allegedly accepting Rp 8 billion ($506,500) in bribes from a businessman while in office.

Judge Estiono at the South Jakarta District Court accepted his motion to challenge the KPK's decision, arguing that the commission has no incriminating evidence to name Edward a suspect.

The judge also noted that two key witnesses against the suspect were interrogated by the KPK only after Edward had been charged with the bribery case, in violation of the Criminal Procedures Code.

The two witnesses are identified as Thomas Azali and Helmut Hermawan, who were deposed by the KPK on November 30 and December 14, respectively.

Erdward's designation as a corruption suspect is deemed void and must be repealed because it doesn't have any legal ground, the judge said.

KPK's Acting Chairman Nawawi Pomolango said separately the commission will carefully examine the court ruling before taking any response.

In the wake of the investigation, Edward tendered his resignation to focus on his legal defense. His resignation was accepted by President Joko Widodo on December 7.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/judge-orders-kpk-to-drop-graft-charges-against-edward-harie