The Jayapura Military Court sentenced First Sergeant Irfan to 12 years in prison on Monday for killing his lover Frederika Metalmety, who was six months pregnant. The verdict was read by Jayapura Military Court presiding judge Let. Col. Priyo Mustiko. The defendant was also dismissed from his unit. The verdict was lighter than the 15 years sought by military prosecutors.
Mitigating factors included the defendant admitting his guilt, an
apology issued to the victim’s family, the defendants’ age and his clean
criminal history.
Irfan said he would consider whether or
not to file for an appeal, and the judges gave him a week to consider
the matter. If he fails to respond within the period, it is regarded
that he has accepted the ruling.
The family of the victim did not
accept the ruling, deeming it unfair. The victim’s aunt Rum Metarmey
said that based on the autopsy result obtained from the Boven Digul
Hospital on Nov. 21, the victim was six months pregnant when she was killed.
“We
have sent a letter to the Cenderawasih Provincial Military Command to
thoroughly investigate the case. The defendant has not only killed a
mother but also the fetus inside her,” said Rum.