A woman identified as 26-year-old VM, better known as Jakarta’s infamous almost naked pharmacy shopper, has been released following a few days in police custody, during which time she underwent psychological evaluation.
The Jakarta Metro Police confirmed VM’s provisional release today and announced that her legal status would be determined by the results of her psychological evaluation, which will be available in 14 days.
“She has been returned to her family,” said Jakarta Metro Police spokesman Argo Yuwono, as quoted by Warta Kota today.
Should VM be diagnosed with a mental illness, she would not be held criminally liable for her actions in accordance with Article 44 of the Criminal Code.
Police arrested VM last Monday after her act of public indecency, which may run her afoul of Indonesia’s controversial anti-pornography laws, dominated headlines in Indonesia. Previously, VM was filmed in a viral video wearing nothing but a thong while shopping at a pharmacy in the Tamansari district of West Jakarta on June 2. On June 5, another video emerged of a woman walking down another street in Jakarta wearing nothing but a bra and police believe it is the same woman as she was sporting what appears to be the same tattoo on her back.
Following her arrest, VM reportedly tested negative for illegal narcotics but authorities found traces of anxiety medication in her system which could have contributed to her behavior. It is also believed that VM has long suffered from chronic depression.
