Australian court begins trial against alleged people smuggler

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 10/13/2008 1:39 PM | National

A court in Perth, Western Australia, began hearing the case of Abdul Hamid, an Indonesian boat captain charged by the Australian Federal Police with people smuggling, on Monday.

A spokesman for the Indonesian consulate in Perth, Andi Bestari, told Antara news agency that a consulate official would be assigned to monitor the court sessions on Hamid`s case.

"I met with Abdul Hamid at Hakea prison in Perth over the weekend," Andi said. Hamid is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment if he is found guilty.

Hamid was the captain of a vessel with 12 passengers (three Iranians and nine Afghans) that was intercepted by Australia`s Border Protection Command on Sept. 29, 2008, near Ashmore Islands.

Among the boat`s crew members was a 15-year-old boy, identified as Arief.

Earlier, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans said the teenage crew member of the vessel would be repatriated.

"The teenage crew member on the vessel will be transferred to Perth where arrangements will be made for his removal to Indonesia," Evans said.

Senator Evans said the government's commitment to border security was firm and resolute and it would continue to take robust measures to protect Australia`s borders.

The Australian Department of Immigration officials on Christmas Island have completed initial interviews with the 12 passengers who had been on the vessel.

The passengers will remain in detention on Christmas Island while immigration officials make a thorough assessment of any claims against Australia`s international protection obligations. (dre)

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