Susno may be disciplined for testifying at Antasari`s trial

Jakarta, NU Online
Former National Police chief detective Susno Duadji may be disciplined by the force for having given alleviating testimony in a court session trying former anti-graft body chief Antasari Azhar.

National Police spokesman Insp Gen Edward Aritonang said here Thursday, by taking the witness stand in the Antasari trial without the knowledge or permission from his superior, Susno had breached the police`s code of ethics and professionalism.<>

"I must make it clear that Susno`s action is a violation of existing rules, of police discipline as well as code of ethics and professionalism," he said at a press conference at the National Police Headquarters in south Jakarta.

Susno had ignored all police personnel`s obligation to always uphold the dignity of themselves, the government, the National Police and the state, Edward said.

The police had studied Susno`s testimony at the court session and were trying to get more information on his action by among other things contacting him. It had become clear that the police, the criminal investigation department in particular, had never received a summons from the court, the chief of the National Police Headquarters` public relations division said.

Neither had the police as an institution ever received a request from the court to let Susno testify at Antasari`s court trial, he added.

Edward said the police would still conduct an inquiry into Susno`s action but he also asked the public to allow the force to settle the matter internally in accordance with its rules and norms.

A violation of the police`s rules of discipline, ethics and professionalism could entail a demotion, honorable or dishonorable discharge of the officer concerned from the force, he said.

At Antasari`s court trial on Thursday, Susno confirmed that the wife of Senior Commissioner Wiliardi Wizard, Antasari`s co-defendant in the murder of businessman Nasruddin Zulkarnaen, had often not been allowed to see or communicate with her husband when he was still in police custody. (dar)