Witnesses Claim Local Parliamentarians Had Alcohol on Their Breath While Intimidating Doctor Icha

Two of the three members of the Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) Regional House of Representatives suspected of intimidating Dr. Eliza Utami Pakaenoni, known as Icha (27), were allegedly intoxicated during the incident. Doctor Icha died by suicide, reportedly suffering from depression following the intimidation. The family claims that two council members were drunk when they intimidated the doctor, based on the examination of 23 witnesses. Fabianus Banase, the family’s uncle and spokesperson, stated that after tracing the events, around 23 witnesses reported a smell of alcohol when the officials entered the emergency room. He confirmed that these 23 people are ready to testify if the family proceeds with a criminal report. According to Fabianus, the incident began when two members of the TTU Regional House of Representatives, Norbertus Tubani and Therensius Lazaka, arrived at the Leona Hospital emergency room regarding the treatment of a child patient with a snake bite. Based on statements from witnesses at the scene, the two council members smelled of alcohol. Fabianus added that witnesses at Leona Hospital claimed Robertus Tubani and Terensius Lazaka had consumed alcohol, and when they spoke face-to-face with the doctor and other medical staff, their breath smelled of alcohol. The family has also received photographic documentation taken during the incident. Fabianus noted that the officials’ breath smelled of alcohol when they were shouting at Icha, and the family has received photos of the event. The family also regrets the absence of CCTV in the emergency room area of Leona Hospital in Kefamenanu, stating that this lack of footage complicates the process of proving the case should it proceed to legal action.