Shepherd Cleared of Murder Charges in Self-Defense Case
FOKUS NEWS, BANTEN - Kejaksaan Tinggi (Kejati) Banten has decided to drop charges against a shepherd named Muhyani who was arrested for fatally stabbing a goat thief.
Muhyani, 58, was arrested on September 15, 2023, after he stabbed 30-year-old Waldi, one of two men who were trying to steal his goats. The other man, Pendi, escaped.
According to Kejati Banten Chief Didik Farkhan Alisyahdi, Muhyani was acting in self-defense. Didik said that the facts of the case showed that Muhyani was attacked by Waldi with a machete. Muhyani then stabbed Waldi in the chest with scissors in order to protect himself.
"Muhyani did not commit a crime because he was acting in self-defense," Didik said.
The decision to drop charges against Muhyani was made after a review by the Kejati Banten. The review found that Muhyani's actions were justified under Article 49(1) of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which allows for self-defense in certain circumstances.
The decision to drop charges against Muhyani was welcomed by Muhyani's family and supporters. They had argued that Muhyani was acting in self-defense and should not be punished.
The case had drawn attention from Indonesian law enforcement officials and politicians. In October, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md. said that Muhyani should not be prosecuted if he was acting in self-defense.
The decision to drop charges against Muhyani is a significant victory for self-defense advocates in Indonesia. It sets a precedent that people who act in self-defense will not be prosecuted for their actions.