ADVERTISEMENT

Trial delayed by graft-charged speaker's 'diarrhoea'

The graft scandal, which came to light earlier this year, is estimated to have syphoned around $170 million out of government coffers.

The claim was just the latest in a string of manoeuvres -- including allegedly faking an injury in a car crash -- that critics say the 62-year-old has employed to dodge serious charges.

Novanto -- who has faced corruption allegations in the past but has never been convicted -- is among several senior politicians accused of taking kickbacks from funds for a government project to issue new ID cards to Indonesia's more than 250 million inhabitants.

The scope of the claims has shocked many in the Southeast Asian nation, even by standards of one of the world's most corrupt countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

Novanto, who arrived at Central Jakarta Court in an orange vest worn by graft suspects, appeared dejected and meekly grunted when a judge repeatedly asked his name.

"I've had diarrhoea for five days -- I asked the doctor for medicine but I was not given drugs," Novanto told the court, which frequently erupted in laughter in response to his behaviour.

His lawyer said Novanto was too ill to take part in the trial -- despite arguments from prosecutors that three doctors had examined him earlier and declared him fit.

"This person is sick and we did not make it up," Maqdir Ismail told the court.

"Please grant us a chance for him to be examined by other doctors."

ADVERTISEMENT

Presiding judge Yanto, who like many Indonesians goes by only one name, suspended the proceedings in the late morning.

It was another twist in a saga that has captivated the country and taken on elements of drama befitting of Indonesia's popular soap operas.

Novanto dodged questioning by Indonesia's anti-corruption agency for months, but was arrested in hospital last month after he claimed to have been injured in a car crash.

The reported accident came shortly after a failed raid on his palatial estate in a ritzy part of the capital.

Novanto, an influential politician from the main opposition Golkar Party, has been caught up in corruption scandals in the past.

ADVERTISEMENT

He was forced to quit as speaker in 2015 after he was caught on tape trying to extort a stake in the Indonesian unit of US mining giant Freeport-McMoRan in exchange for extending the company's right to operate in the archipelago.

He was cleared of the allegations and was reappointed as speaker in 2016. This week he tendered his resignation.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT