Khaeruddin as Petitioner reading the petition revision in the judicial review hearing of Article 70 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) on Wednesday (29/11) in the Courtroom of the Constitutional Court. Photo by Humas MK/Ifa.

The Constitutional Court (MK) held the second hearing of judicial review of Article 70 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), Wednesday (29/11). The agenda of the hearing of Case No. 92/PUU-XV/2017 is concerned with the petition revision.

Khaeruddin as Petitioner explained that not many changes were made. However, there are additions. Khaeruddin explained that Alungsyah stepped down as Petitioner II. Furthermore, there are six new Petitioners—Muhammad Said Bahri, Eri Rossatria, Toipin, Dedi Eka, Wiji Rahayu and Deepvyhert Av. Simbolon.

"Related to the legal standing, there are no additions. Furthermore, there are no additions to the Petitioner\'s constitutional impairment, and the reasons for filing the petition remains the same as it was previously. Likewise for the petitum, there are no changes," he explained in the hearing led by Justice Manahan MP Sitompul.

Khaeruddin and Alungsyah, both advocates, previously challenged the phrase \'at any time\' in Article 70 paragraph (1) of KUHAP. The a quo article reads, "The legal adviser referred to in Article 69 shall be entitled to contact and speak with the suspect at any level of examination and at any time for the defense of his case."

The Petitioner explained that a legal counsel who wishes to visit a client during investigation process and is kept from doing so due to the enactment of the a quo regulation. This is not only felt by the Petitioners as advocates, but also by all other legal counsels in Indonesia. (ARS/LA/Yuniar Widiastuti)