Singer Ariel free at last

(JP/Arya Dipa)

Former Peterpan front man convict Nazriel Irham, better known as Ariel Peterpan, was freed from Kebonwaru Penitentiary in Bandung, West Java on Monday, following being granted parole.

Bandung Court sentenced the pop singer to three years and six months in prison in January last year for producing a pornographic video intended for private use, which was distributed by another individual. He tried to appeal the verdict but it was turned down by the Supreme Court last year.

According to Indonesian law, a convict is eligible for parole after serving two-thirds of his or her sentence. Ariel’s good behavior during his incarceration has also earned him a remission.

Antara news agency reported that Ariel was freed from the penitentiary at 9:15 a.m. with dozens of his fans greeting him. They screamed and cheered their idol once they saw a white car, containing their idol, leaving the penitentiary.

Some of his fans had reportedly gathered at the yard of Kebonwaru Penitentiary center since Sunday evening and spent a sleepless night there in order to not miss the moment their idol experienced freedom.

His other fans also gathered in front of Ariel’s parents residence in the Antapani district of Bandung.

Marwanto, 22, for example, traveled there from his hometown in Surakarta, Central Java, just to witness his idol gain his freedom.

“I arrived in Bandung on Saturday. I'm really glad that Ariel is finally free,” said Marwanto. (riz)