Jakarta. Former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo claimed on Friday that he has been targeted in a smear campaign as he presented his defense plea after prosecutors recommended a 12-year prison sentence for alleged corruption while in office.

Syahrul alleged that there have been attempts to manipulate public opinion against him and portray him as a “greedy person,” disregarding the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.

"Since the start of the investigation into this case, there have been efforts to manipulate public opinion using wild and misleading accusations to depict me as a greedy person," Syahrul told the Central Jakarta District Court.

"The smear campaign aims to sway public opinion against me, assassinate my character, and influence the judges handling my case. It seems like someone is seeking fame through my case," he added.

Syahrul’s former subordinates at the Agriculture Ministry testified in court that during his tenure, he had forced them to obtain money to finance his personal needs.

Prosecutors accused Syahrul of illegally collecting Rp 44.7 billion ($2.7 million) in funds from his subordinates or the ministry’s budget to enrich himself.

According to witnesses, he asked ministry officials to provide monthly payments for his wife and buy cars for his children. His subordinates were also asked to pay for perfumes, durians, and laundry bills for his family, the court heard.

Syahrul, however, denied any wrongdoing in his defense statement.

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