Expert regrets police decision to charge Afriyani with murder

Trisakti University legal expert Asep Iwan Iriawan regretted the police decision to file murder charges against Afriyani, reckless driver who had been named suspect after a traffic accident that claimed nine lives last week.

“Afriyani drove under the influence, thus her consciousness was jeopardized, at that time, while planning a murder, you would definitely need your consciousness, right?” former Supreme Court justice Asep told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

He said the police were pushing their luck by applying such charges in this case.

The comment was made following remarks made by Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto who stated that the police have filed murder charges for reckless driving in dossiers against Afriyani Susanti.

He reasoned that the decision to issue additional charges was the result of thorough consultation between the police, witnesses and legal experts.

The police had beforehand accused Afriyani of having violated the Traffic Law for driving under the influence of narcotics and without a driver’s license.

“We have consulted with all related parties. Thus, we will put the charges to the test later in court,” Rikwanto said.

Film producer Afriyani Susanti was named a suspect after she drove her car into a group of people, claiming nine lives and severely injuring four other people on Sunday last week.