Prita Mulyasari's lawyer has said Prita would continue her appeal to the Supreme Court despite Omni International Hospital having publicly apologized and agreeing to release her from her obligations to pay fines imposed in a civil suit.
Hospital director dr. Bina Ratna Kusuma Fitri said Friday the hospital had apologized to Prita and would ask Banten High Court to not impose the Rp 204 million fine for finding Prita guilty of defamation.
"*We* hope our gesture in good faith will be accepted by Prita Mulyasari," Bina told reporters at a press conference.
O.C. Kaligis, the head of Prita's defense team, said Prita and her lawyers expected more from the hospital.
"It's useless for the hospital to hold a press conference, claim it was sorry for all of Prita's troubles and yet still let her to go to jail," he said.
"Prita and the defense team only want the hospital and the doctors who treated her to confirm her innocence. They must admit in court that they are not victims of defamation because Prita never lied. The hospital must also present Prita's medical records to the criminal court," he said.
Kaligis said if the hospital was willing to do this, the judges would probably dismiss all criminal charges against Prita.
"Only then will Prita be able to clear her name. We will also be willing to drop all charges against the hospital," Kaligis said.
Kaligis added if Omni still refused to do this, Prita and her defense team would continue to appeal the civil case to the Supreme Court.
Kaligis added that the hospital's gesture to free Prita from paying fine was insignificant.
"Prita is no longer afraid to pay the fine because she already has tons of coins to pay Omni. Maybe the hospital is afraid people will throw the coins at their building," he joked.
He said Prita had always wanted to end the dispute with Omni. "She is tired with all the disputes but the hospital has been inconsistent in its actions and therefore we *Prita and her defense team* have to question its sincerity," Kaligis said.
Support and donations for Prita continue to pour in although she has collected more than enough to pay the fine.
Prita supporters plan to organize a fund raising concert on Dec. 20.
"There are dozens of artists who have already confirmed their participation," Adib Hidayat, the concert coordinator, said. (mrs)
