Riau High Court doubles former governor's suspended sentence to four years

The Riau High Court has doubled the prison term of former governor Abdul Wahid, converting his suspended sentence to four years after reaffirming his guilt on extortion and corruption charges. Judges, led by Abdul Azis, announced the verdict during an online hearing, also imposing a Rp 200 million fine that will be replaced by 80 days in jail if not settled. Wahid must repay Rp 1.45 billion in restitution within a month, with non-payment leading to asset seizure and a possible extra 18 months of imprisonment.

His spokesman, Musliadi, declared the decision would be appealed to the Supreme Court, asserting Wahid's innocence. The case stems from allegations that Wahid demanded money from officials at the Riau Public Works, Spatial Planning, Housing, Settlement and Land agency, threatening job reassignment for non-compliance.