Former MP Charged of Acting as Go-Between in Bribery Case

Jakarta (Antara) - A former parliamentary member from Golkar Party, Chairun Nisa, has been charged of acting as a go-between in the high profile corruption case involving former constitutional court chief justice Akil Mochtar. Gunung Mas district head Hambit Bintih and Cornelis Nalau Antun from PT Berkala Maju Bersama had paid Akil Mochtar, in their efforts to win the district head election, through Chairun Nisa. "The defendant, Chairun Nusa, along with Akil Mochtar as constitutional court chief justice, have received Sing$294 thousand (around Rp3 billion), US$22 thousand (Rp75 million) and Rp766 thousand as bribe money or a pledge from Hambit Bintih and Cornelis Nalau Antun," stated public prosecutor from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Pulung Rinandoro while reading the charges for Chairun Nisa in a corruption court session, here on Wednesday. Hambit Bintih had won the election, but their opponents Afridel Jinu with his running mate Ude Arnold Pisy as well as Jaya S Monong and his running mate Daldin challenged the victory at the Constitutional Court. In an effort to ensure the victory Hambit Bintih had bribed Akil Mochtar, who was to rule whether or not the victory would remain with him. On September 20, 2013, Hambit met Akil at the latter's official residence to ask for his favor. Upon his request, Akil later formed the panel of judges consisting of him, Maria Farida and Anwar Usman. (*)