TMCnet News
PRITA CASE CAN BE SETTLED OUTSIDE COURT : PRESIDENTJakarta, Jun 04, 2009 (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX) -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the case of Prita Mulyasari, a housewife charged with defamation for complaining about sub-standard hospital treatment on the Internet, could be settled out of the court based on humanitarian considerations. "The case can be settled outside the court based on humanitarian and propriety considerations without breaching the law," the president said in a talk-show conducted by private Anteve station here on Thursday. He said he as president had summoned Attorney General Supandji and National Police Chief Bambang Hendarso Danuri to ask for explanations on the case involving Prita. Prita who was detained for several weeks for telling friends over the Internet about Omni International HoSpital's poor service, was released on Wednesday after the public questioned the need for her detention. She was detained for alleged violation of the Law on Information and Electronic Transactions, but still had to stand trial at the Tangerang district court. She was released after her status was changed and was put under city arrest. The mother of two children was facing a six year jail term and a fine of Rp6 billion. Yudhoyono, who is to run for reelection in the presidential race on July 8, 2009, said that because the law on information and electronic transactions was still relatively new, it was possible there was a problem in its implementation. "Although I (as president) cannot interfere in legal affairs, the case could be settled out of the court," the president said to the applause of the audience. Referring to Manohara Odelia Pinot who has a problem with her husband, Prince Fakhry of Klantan, Malaysia, President Yudhohono said that one should draw a clear line between a familial affair and legal matters. "If it concerns a family problem, the government cannot interfere," he said. "But if it concerns a legal problem, Manohara should submit an official report so that the government can take the needed steps to settle it. |