Indonesian authorities plan uniforms for accused corruptors
Updated
There is growing criticism of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's decision not to dismiss two senior ministers, implicated in a Bank Indonesia corruption scandal.
Radio Australia's Katie Hamman reports the situation has been further complicated in recent weeks by allegations that the father-in-law of President Yudhoyono's eldest son was approving the bribes.
The ongoing fight against corruption in Indonesia has prompted some lawmakers to the death penalty as a deterrent.
But the Corruption Eradication Commission and corruption watchdogs have embraced a more novel plan; to dress accused corrupters in uniforms for their court appearances.
Transparency International's Anung Karyadi told the Connect Asia program corrupt politicians and business people should be treated like any other accused criminal and dressing people in plain uniforms will prevent the showmanship of corruption trials.
Despite complaints from lawyers that the uniforms violate the principle of presumed innocence, the plan has been embraced by anti-corruption advocates.
Indonesia Corruption Watch was commissioned to design the uniforms and recently gave a fashion show at the Corruption Eradication Commission.
"In relation with human rights I think as long as there is no title on the uniform, if the title is there, it violates human rights - it is against the right of presumption of innocence," said Danang Widoyoko, deputy head of Indonesia Corruption Watch.
