Michiels Faces Seven Years as Trial Begins

Jakarta Globe

Naturalized Indonesian footballer Diego Michiels is facing up to seven years in jail after being charged with assault during the first hearing of his case in Jakarta on Friday.

“The defendant [Michiels] allegedly violated Article 170 verse 2(1) of the Criminal Code,” prosecutor Yussie Cahaya said, citing an article on assault that threatens perpetrators with a possible seven-year prison sentence.

“The defendant kicked Mef Paripurna’s chest, and only ended his assault on Mef Paripurna after security officers at Domain discotheque stopped [him],” Yussie told the hearing at the Central Jakarta District Court, according to antaranews.com.

Mef, a 21-year-old college student from Bogor, filed a report against Michiels, 22, and four of his friends to police after they allegedly beat him during a brawl that took place at Domain Club, located in the Senayan City mall in South Jakarta, on Nov. 8

Michiels’ four friends have been identified as Trikun, Barney Patalala, Martinus Lambertusuas and Matheos Pieter Lilipory.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto earlier said the incident began when Meff engaged in a war of words with Diego after accidentally spilling the Indonesian Premier League player’s drink.

Attempts by the national football team to secure Diego’s release to play in upcoming matches have been rejected.