ATUT DELIVERS DRAMATIC DEFENSE

Suspended Banten governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah gave an emotional

defense statement during her graft trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court on
Thursday, saying that she had been the victim of a scheme devised by
former Constitutional Court (MK) chief justice Akil Mochtar.

Atut broke down while lamenting that the 10-year sentence demanded by
the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) was too heavy and
shocking.

Tearfully, Atut, who wore a long-sleeved batik shirt and black headscarf,
pleaded to the panel of judges that she was only a victim, and not a
mastermind as accused, in the bribery case involving Akil, who was
sentenced to life in prison for the case.

Ive been victimized! My brother and I have been victimized by sly Akil in
cahoots with Susi and Amir. They all used my name in the bribery scheme
as if I were close to them, Atut said in her statement, referring to her
brother Tubagus Chaeri Wawan Wardana, lawyer Susi Tur Andayani and
Lebak regent Amir Hamzah.

Atut was arrested for allegedly instructing Wawan to pay a Rp 1 billion

(US$ 85,524) bribe to Akil, to be delivered through Susi, so that the chief
justice would approve Amirs appeal to annul the victory of winning
candidate Iti Jayabaya in the 2013 Lebak election. Wawan and Susi have
already been sentenced, while Amir remains free.

Atut, notorious for living a lavish lifestyle while Banten remains mired in
poverty, was the first female to be elected governor, as well the first
female governor to be arrested for graft.

Thursdays hearing took a dramatic turn when Atut addressed her family
members in her defense statement.

My family members are expecting to see justice be done in the near

future when the judges read their verdict. They believe that I am only a
victim in this case, Atut said, pausing to wipe away tears. As a mother
and grandmother, I am sad to see my family members pain at seeing me
being victimized.

Atut also said that members of her family were now subject to ridicule.
She claimed that her youngest granddaughter Ananda had had to quit
school because of bullying.

My oldest granddaughter has also been bullied at school. Please, accept

your grandmas apology for what has happened to you, Atut said.
Ananda and her sister Andiara Aprilia, who were present in the courtroom,
were brought to tears by the statement.