Prita told to remain patient and wait for court’s decision

The panel of judges hearing the much-talked-about defamation trial of Prita Mulyasari at Tangerang District Court will deliver its verdict on the criminal case in two weeks.

“We ask Ibu Prita to remain patient. We, the panel of judges, will decide for the best within the next two weeks,” presiding judge Arthur Hangewa told a court session on Tuesday.

The court heard the counter statements of Prita’s defense lawyers Tuesday, despite the fact Prita and the plaintiff, Omni International Hospital, have struck a peace deal.

Slamet Yuwono, one of Prita’s lawyers, said there would not be any settlement of the legal dispute between Omni and Prita until the court issued a verdict.
 
“Although Omni International Hospital has officially withdrawn its civil lawsuit against Prita, it remains unclear whether or not Omni management will fulfill Prita’s request,” he said.

Slamet said Prita had asked two doctors from the hospital, Hengky Gosal and Grace Hilza Yarmen Nalen, to withdraw testimony they had presented in previous court hearings as a show of goodwill to settle the legal dispute peacefully.

“This [testimony withdrawal] is much more important than the hospital’s statement to revoke its civil lawsuit against Prita,” Slamet said.

Prosecutor Riyadi insisted that the trial continue although he admitted that Omni’s decision to withdraw its civil lawsuit would likely lower the punishment.

The prosecutor had sought six months’ imprisonment for Prita for defamation.

Former trade minister Fahmi Idris was among the attendees at the court hearing on Tuesday, his second appearance in as many hearings. Fahmi said he came to show his concern with the Prita case and the judicial system.