Pubdate: Tue, 27 Sep 2005
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2005 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/
Author: Tim Palmer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Death+Penalty (Death Penalty)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Indonesia

BALI NINE CHARGES CARRY DEATH PENALTY

Prosecutors in Bali have confirmed that all nine Australians arrested
over an alleged heroin exportation conspiracy face charges carrying
the death penalty.

The final legal step leading up to trials of the nine suspects was
completed today when prosecutors handed the cases to the Denpasar
District Court.

There will be seven trials, which are likely to begin in a month.

The four alleged 'drug mules' - Renae Lawrence, Martin Stephens, Scott
Rush and Michael Czugaj - will have separate trials, as will the
alleged ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.

Three others - Tach Duc Thanh Nguyen, Si Yi Chen and Matthew James
Norman - who were all arrested at a Kuta Hotel, will go on trial together.

The documents lodged today confirm that in every case the prosecution
will be under sections of the law carrying the death penalty.

Trials would be expected to start within a month from this step in the
process although extensions of time can be sought.

Typically a trial date would be set within two weeks of today.
- ---