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 regulations 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 was also accompanied by a fine of Rp800 million, replacing the previous lighter sentence in the first-instance court.

"Well then, the case was concluded with a 4-year prison sentence. If he has a 4-year prison sentence, that means since it will be executed later by the prosecutor, he already has the right to receive a remission, the right to receive assimilation, the right to receive amnesty, the right to receive clemency," explained Jon Mathias.

With this ruling, Ammar now has the opportunity to obtain a reduction in his prison term. The time he has already served will also be counted as a reduction in the duration of the sentence. "Well, if we take the four-year decision, that means there is also a ruling in that decision where the time served is deducted from 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 our calculations are correct, he has already served 14/16 months, and if it's 16 months, then according to the regulations of the Minister of Law and Human Rights regarding assimilation rights, he has served 20 percent. Therefore, he has the right to undergo assimilation during his time served," he stated.

Jon also emphasized that Ammar's behavior during his detention will greatly affect the assimilation application process. He mentioned that his client is trying to show good behavior to meet the requirements. "Well, our calculation is that if he behaves well there, has no problems, it means he shows good behavior which 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 circulates in the media, yes, the possibility percentage can follow that rule," he concluded.