General Sutarman pointed out that those responsible for publishing the libelous news items were subject to law enforcement by referring to the violation of the press law, criminal code, and election law.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The police have started investigation into the libel lawsuit filed by presidential candidate Joko Widodos team of lawyers against "Obor Rakyat" tabloid, stated Police Chief General Sutarman.
"We have summoned a number of witnesses in connection with the police investigation," Sutarman noted here on Tuesday in response to the libel lawsuit filed by the president hopefuls team of lawyers.
General Sutarman pointed out that those responsible for publishing the libelous news items were subject to law enforcement by referring to the violation of the press law, criminal code, and election law.
In handling this lawsuit case, the police are closely working with the Press Council, Sutarman stated, adding that his men will remain professional and free from any intervention because "everybody is equal before the law."
Presidential candidate Joko Widodo earlier specified that his team of lawyers had filed a police report over the libelous "Obor Rakyat" tabloid on Monday.
"The tabloid contains black campaign. This is a criminal act. That is why our team of lawyers has filed the police report," Jokowi claimed.
Jokowi remarked that the tabloids contents have discredited him and his pair, Jusuf Kalla. He further reiterated that he can differentiate fair news items from the unfair and libelous ones.
The Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla pair will compete with the Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa duo in the July 9 presidential election.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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