Forensic Psychologist Warns Police Against Oversimplifying Cause in Doctor Icha's Death

Forensic psychologist Reza Indragiri Amriel has reminded law enforcement that building a criminal case in a suicide incident is not straightforward, as it involves highly complex psychological factors. Reza acknowledged that, legally, parties who utter intimidation or abusive words can be charged under articles in the Criminal Code, the Health Workers Law, or the Health Law. However, he urged the police not to fall into the trap of oversimplifying the problem.

“The decision to commit suicide is not a simple decision. Especially when the basis of thinking is that a particular event or behaviour is preceded by multiple factors. Is it sufficient for the police to focus solely on proving the words of the patient’s family? How can we be sure those words were not merely a trigger?” Reza stated on Wednesday.

From a forensic psychology perspective, the act of ending one’s life is an accumulation of various internal and external aspects. Reza suggested that investigators delve into four main psychological indicators before drawing legal conclusions. He stressed that understanding these factors requires tracing a long psychological history, which is crucial given that the medical profession is highly susceptible to burnout and high work stress.

Reza further highlighted the reality of the medical world, which is often marred by incidents of bullying from seniors towards juniors. This pressure is exacerbated by the burden of stigma, where medical workers often feel it is taboo to admit their exhaustion or pain. He offered a reflective critique, urging that law enforcement be based on empirical scientific data rather than just an emotional public response. “To what extent will criminalisation become an excessive simplification of a profoundly complicated problem? Is over-criminalisation our only way of showing empathy?” he concluded.