Ammar Zoni Reportedly Will Be Released from Detention, Legal Counsel Provides Explanation

Although the prosecutor previously demanded a fairly heavy sentence, the legal counsel filed a legal challenge. They referred to the new rules in the Supreme Court Circular (SEMA) to request leniency.

"Well then, we, in the counter-memory, request that the sentence be adjusted according to SEMA, the Supreme Court Circular Number 4 of 2023 regarding criminal penalties for narcotics direction, which we are asking for the lowest, 4 years, that's how it is," he said.

This legal effort bore fruit, where the DKI Jakarta High Court decided on a four-year prison sentence for Ammar Zoni. This verdict is also accompanied by a fine of IDR 800 million, replacing the previous lighter decision at the first instance court.

"Well, then the case was decided, with a sentence of 4 years in prison. Now, if he gets 4 years in prison, it means that once he is executed by the prosecutor, he will already have the rights to receive remission, the right to obtain assimilation, the right to receive amnesty, and the right to receive clemency," explained Jon Mathias.

With that ruling, Ammar now has the opportunity to receive a reduction in his sentence. The time he has already served will also be counted as a reduction in the duration of his sentence. "Now, if we look at the four-year decision, it means that there is also a decision within that ruling to reduce the time served during the sentence," he said.

Based on preliminary calculations, Ammar Zoni has served more than one year in detention. According to Jon, this is an important factor in applying for rights such as assimilation. "If we count, he has already served 14/16 months, and if it's 16 months, looking at the regulations of the Minister of Law and Human Rights along with the rights of assimilation, he has served 20 percent. Therefore, during this time, he has the right to undergo assimilation," he stated.

Jon also emphasized that Ammar's behavior during his detention period will greatly influence the assimilation application process. He mentioned that his client is trying to show good behavior to meet the requirements. "Well, our calculation is if he behaves well there, has no problems, it’s like he’s showing good behavior that can meet the requirements to apply for assimilation, at least after 18 months he can apply for assimilation," he said.

In closing his explanation, Jon confirmed that the possibility of an earlier release for Ammar Zoni is indeed open. Everything still refers to the applicable laws and processes. "So that's what’s circulating in the media, the percentage possibility, yes, he can follow that rule," he concluded.