SINGAPORE: The extradition hearing of Indonesian fugitive Paulus Tannos continued on 24 June 2024, with both sides presenting their arguments regarding the legality and implications of his extradition to Indonesia. Tannos, a permanent resident in Singapore, is implicated in a corruption scandal linked to Indonesia’s electronic ID card project…
Background on Paulus Tannos
The 70-year-old Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, is wanted by Indonesian authorities for his alleged role in a scheme that reportedly cost the state approximately 2.3 trillion rupiah (around US$140 million) in losses. He was arrested by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in Singapore on 17 January 2024, following a formal request from Indonesia.
Court Proceedings and Evidence Disputes
The ongoing hearing aims to determine Tannos’ eligibility for extradition under the Extradition Act and the recently signed extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia, which came into effect in March 2023. During the hearing, Tannos’ lawyer, Bachoo Mohan Singh, has consistently challenged the admissibility of certain documents presented by the prosecution…
- The defence argues that supplementary documents submitted by Indonesian authorities do not comply with legal standards.
- Tannos’ legal team contends that the evidence was obtained after significant delays and raises concerns about its reliability due to the time elapsed since the alleged offence.
Arguments Against Extradition
Singh raised concerns about the oppressive nature of extraditing Tannos back to Indonesia, citing the country’s history of corruption and harsh prison conditions. He emphasized that the long delay since the alleged events jeopardises Tannos’ ability to defend himself…
“We are saying it will be oppressive to send him back because the matter has taken place so long ago,” Singh articulated, noting that key witnesses have either died or are untraceable. Legal experts may also testify to the conditions within Indonesian prisons as part of the defence strategy.
The Path Ahead
The hearing is set to continue with further arguments from both parties. As the court deliberates the admissibility of evidence and whether Tannos should be surrendered to Indonesia, the implications of this case are likely to resonate beyond the courtroom. This landmark case is the first under the new extradition treaty, setting a precedent for future legal procedures between the two nations.
As the court proceedings unfold, the discussion surrounding corruption in Indonesia and extradition laws will likely remain a hot topic in Singapore.