REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The inaugural session of e-ID card procurement graft case for defendant Setya Novanto was suspended three times. 

The judge suspended the hearing as Novanto asked for toilet break. He said, he had diarrhea.

The trial was suspended for the second times as the judge adviced Novanto to be checked by the doctors since he said he was unwell.

After suspending the hearing for three hours, the panel of judges on e-ID card procurement graft case re-opened the inaurural sesion of defendant Setya Novanto.

However, less than half an hour, the panel of judges decided to suspend the trial again because Novanto still remained silent when questioned about his health condition.

Prior to the hearing, team of doctors from Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and a doctor who requested by Novanto have been presented to examine the defendant's health condition. 

The non-active House of Representatives speaker was stated in healthy condition and fit to stand trial.

Prosecutor from Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Irene Putri said Novanto refused his health condition checked by doctor from Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (RSPAD). In fact, he himself asked to be examined by a doctor other than three specialist doctors that presented by the anti-graft institution.

"The defendant has submitted doctor from RSPAD, but he didn't want to be re-examined," said Irene to the panel of judges on Wednesday (December 13).

Chairman of the panel of judges then asked for explanation from Novanto. His lawyer, Maqdir Ismail immediately explained the reason.

"Because the doctor from RSPAD is a general doctor, not a specialist as we requested, so I suggest we should not proceed the examination and please give him chance to be examined at RSPAD," Maqdir explained.

Chief of Panel Judge Yanto said, his team already give chance. He assessed that Novanto's lawyer did not use the chance wisely.

Judge Yanto then asked Novanto to continue the hearing. However, when Novanto was asked about his personal data, he still did not say any word.

"Did you hear me? Was it clear enough?" asked judge Yanto.

Novanto did not respond. The judge tried to grill him with the same question, but Novanto kept quiet.

Judge Yanto then asked judge Franky Tambuwun to questioned Novanto. His effort did not gain any success.

Novanto remained silent and bowed as he refused to answer the question from judges. He seemed uncooperative and made judge Yanto asked KPK prosecutor whether Novanto already had lunch or not.

"During the examination, the defendant had communication with the examining physician and he also had lunch that witnessed by his lawyer," said Irene.

Novanto was asked by judge Yanto whether he was sick or tired so the trial can be delayed. Maqdir the lawyer answered the decisions was up to the panel of judges.

Judge Yanto then asked Novanto whether he agreed with his lawyers. 

"Unwell your honour," he respond briefly.

Judge Yanto tried to persuade Novanto to continue the trial. He was willing to assist the hearing, but Novanto did not answer. 

"We have to suspend the trial and the panel of judges must discuss," Judge Yanto said.

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