T

angerang City Police granted a request by Brazilian soccer players Hilton Moreira and Leandro Dos Sale — who are accused of attempting to rape a flight attendant — for their release due to their full cooperation during the investigation.

“The two requested that their detention be waived on Tuesday through their lawyer, Sahari Bano,” Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto told reporters. The Tangerang City Police is under the jurisdiction of the Jakarta Police.

Hilton plays soccer for Sriwijaya FC in Palembang, South Sumatra, while Leandro had been looking for a club to play for.

The pair had been detained at the Tangerang City Police since Sunday.

The arrest was made following a report made last Thursday by a 19-year-old flight attendant identified as IF, who works for a local airline.

According to Rikwanto, both men have been very cooperative during investigation, which was among the reasons for their request to be granted.

“The lawyer had also provided us with a guarantee that neither will abscond or obstruct the ongoing
investigation.”

The suspects’ passports are currently being held by the Tangerang City Police, which has been handling the case, to prevent them from fleeing the country.

Tangerang City Police detective Adj. Sr. Comr. Rahmat said on Tuesday that his officers have questioned seven people, including the alleged victim. In her report to the police, she alleged that the men were trying to rape her at her apartment in Tangerang’s Modern Land housing estate.

The incident, she said, began when three friends visited her at the apartment, along with Hilton and Leandro.

She was not feeling well at the time, but she allowed her friends inside. One friend, who introduced her to the soccer players, left the apartment a few minutes later.

Soon after, Hilton and Leandro allegedly tried to touch the woman. She told police that she had tried to avoid them, but they became nervous and held her hands.

It is alleged that she ran into the bedroom and both suspects followed her and then tried to forcefully undress her.

It is alleged that the woman cried for help before the men fled.

One of the friends who stayed at the apartment allegedly witnessed the assault.

— JP/Iman Mahditama