Australian Detained in Indonesian Prison Reaches Settlement Deal
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, a 23-year-old Australian, was arrested in April in the Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Simeulue after a drunken rampage. He allegedly struck a passing motorcyclist, causing the man to fall into a gutter and suffer a leg injury that required 50 stitches in hospital. Risby-Jones has spent the past month in a 3x3m prison cell and is facing a maximum of five years in prison on the charge of maltreatment resulting in serious physical injury. However, it appears he has reached a settlement with his victim for $25,000.
The settlement deal brings Risby-Jones one step closer to coming home, but there is still one more hurdle to his freedom. The Attorney-General in Jakarta must consider whether the compensation payment is enough or if they will press for jail time. Risby-Jones expressed relief at the settlement deal, saying that it had taken a long time to find peace resolution but now that they are there, it’s good. He also mentioned that staying in an Indonesian cell for a month was very hard and mental, but he is doing good now.
Risby-Jones’ actions reportedly caused an angry mob to threaten to burn down his accommodation. Local police allege that he had been drinking a vodka bottle before he stripped in his room at the Moon Beach Resort sometime after midnight. He then left his room still naked and assaulted a security officer who attempted to stop him.
Conclusion
The settlement deal reached by Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones brings him one step closer to coming home. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether he will face jail time or not. This incident serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and it is important to be responsible and respectful when traveling abroad.
Source: perthnow.com.au
