JAKARTA — SEGARIS.CO — The Supreme Court (MA) has annulled the acquittal verdict against former Langkat Regent, Terbit Rencana Perangin-angin alias Cana, in the human cage case.
Through a cassation verdict, the MA sentenced Terbit Rencana to four years in prison after granting the request of the public prosecutor.
This information was listed on the official website of the MA Clerk’s Office on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
In case number 7283 K/Pid.Sus/2024, the cassation panel of judges chaired by Prim Haryadi with members Yanto and Jupriyadi stated that the previous verdict, namely the acquittal verdict at the judex facti level, was annulled.
“Proven to have violated the Fourth Charge, Article 2 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 11 of Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of the Crime of Human Trafficking.
“Sentencing him to four years in prison and a fine of Rp200 million, subsidiary to two months in prison,” read the verdict read on Friday, November 15, 2024.
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The journey of the human cage case
This case began with the discovery of a human cage at Terbit Rencana’s residence in Langkat, North Sumatra.
The panel of judges at the Stabat District Court previously acquitted Terbit Rencana.
However, the public prosecutor was dissatisfied with the verdict and filed an appeal.
In his demands, the prosecutor asked the panel of judges to sentence him to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rp500 million, subsidiary to six months in prison.
In addition, the prosecutor also demanded that Terbit Rencana pay restitution of Rp2.3 billion to the victims or heirs.
The prosecutor stated that if the restitution is not paid within 14 days after the verdict has permanent legal force, then Terbit Rencana’s assets can be confiscated and auctioned to fulfill the obligation.
If it is not enough, the restitution will be replaced with a one-year prison sentence.
Supreme court decision and its impact
The Supreme Court took 26 days to decide on this case. Although the verdict has been announced, a complete copy is not yet available on the Supreme Court’s Clerk’s Office page.
This cassation decision is a turning point in the handling of the human cage case which had previously sparked controversy due to the acquittal decision at the first level.
With this verdict, Terbit Rencana must now serve a prison sentence for his actions which were proven to violate the law.
Further developments regarding the execution of the verdict, including payment of fines and restitution, are still awaited by the public. [RE/***]
