Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact:  http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283

BALI 9 PREPARE TO FACE TRIALS

JAKARTA: The Bali Nine have been told they'll face trial within weeks
on drug charges that carry the death penalty.

Indonesian police have completed their investigation and their defence
lawyers expect evidence files will be handed to Denpasar prosecutors
on Monday, clearing the way for a series of trials.

Haposan Sihombing, the lawyer for Wollongong man Martin Stephens, 29,
and Newcastle woman Renae Lawrence, 27, broke the news to his clients
in Bali's Kerobokan Prison yesterday.

He said the pair, accused of trying to smuggle heroin from Bali to
Australia in bags strapped to their legs and stomach, would be tried
separately along with two others arrested at Bali airport in April.

"Their cases will be handed to prosecutors on Monday and they will
probably be taken out of Kerobokan briefly while that happens," he
said.

Mohammad Rifan, lawyer for five of the nine, said the court would in
the n ext two weeks set a date for seven trials to begin on charges
including possessing and distributing drugs, as well as conspiracy.

The charge of distributing under section 82 of Indonesian laws carries
the death penalty by firing squad.

Two of the trials would be for alleged enforcer Andrew Chan and
suspected mastermind Myuran Sukumaran, both from Sydney, while three
other people arrested at the Melasti Hotelo would be tried together.

Separately Mr Haposan, who also represents Schapelle Corby, said her
team had not heard yet whether the court would grant permission for a
third trial hearing to allow fresh witnesses in Australia to testify
by video link.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin