Indonesian woman found innocent in controversial case of Facebook defamation

Freedom of speech on the internet is a difficult issue in Indonesia due to the controversial and often derided UU ITE law. Its critics say the online libel law limits free speech. But today one women who challenged the law won. This afternoon Ervani Handayani was handed a not guilty verdict, reports local media portal Viva, putting an end to one of Indonesia’s more controversial freedom of expression cases.

Back in June, Yogyakarta resident Handayani, 29, was accused of breaking the law after writing a Facebook post that berated the management of a local jewellry business. The case continued for several months, and in September authorities threw Handayani in jail for several days before her court date. The news was chronicled in depth by the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet).

Before Handayani was declared innocent by the Bantul district court this afternoon, she was facing five months in jail, followed by 10 months of probation, and a fine of Rp 1 million (US$79) with three months of house arrest.

Kabar baik: Ibu Ervani Handayani yg terjerat pasal 27 ayat 3 UU ITE diputus BEBAS oleh PN Bantul hari ini! #update pic.twitter.com/qDuvNpqD3A

— [dam] (@DamarJuniarto) January 5, 2015

See: How Indonesia’s problematic internet law will impede freedom of expression

Sticks and stones

The libel tussle started with Handayani’s husband. He used to work as a security guard for Jolie Jogja Jewellry, but was dismissed for refusing to be transferred to a store in another city. Handayani’s husband allegedly did not get his final salary or severance package. Subsequently, Handayani posted the following Facebook status (translated to English).