Pubdate: Mon, 15 Aug 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/

'BALI NINE' CASES HANDED TO PROSECUTORS

The cases against the nine Australians arrested on charges of
allegedly attempting to smuggle heroin from Bali has taken another
step forward.

The investigation has now been closed and their cases have been handed
over to prosecutors in Denpasar.

The Australians appeared before prosecutors today as the case files
and evidence were handed over.

All nine face the death penalty if convicted.

One of the accused, Renae Lawrence, maintains the nine did not have a
choice in what they did.

"We didn't even know what it was - even if we did know what it was, I
mean we didn't have a choice," she said.

She says she was forced to act as a courier because of threats to her
and her family.

Prosecutors say the trials could start in about four weeks.
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