Indonesian Police Move Toward Treason Charges in President Subianto Wiretapping Scandal
Indonesian authorities charge four suspects with treason following the alleged wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto. Deep political rifts come to light.
POLICY WIRE — Jakarta, Indonesia — Authorities announced on Thursday they have secured enough preliminary evidence to proceed with treason charges against four individuals linked to the alleged wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto.
During a press briefing, national police official Asep Safrudin stated that investigators would now conduct “intensive” inquiries to move the legal case forward.
The ongoing investigation has identified four high-ranking officers as suspects. Among them is Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who serves as the president’s chief of staff and previously held as national police chief.
Prabowo is widely recognized as a steadfast ally of the country’s former leader, Joko Widodo.
The wiretapping scandal has exposed growing tensions between the current president, Prabowo, and his predecessor, Widodo.
In a hearing held on Thursday, various lawmakers placed pressure on police chief Suyudi Ario Seto to identify the individual who ordered Listyo to oversee the alleged surveillance operation.
Politicians are also seeking clarity on the political motivations that may have driven the illicit monitoring.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)