Australia Asks Indonesia to Consider Teen’s Minor Status

Jakarta Globe, October 09, 2011

Australian ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty talks to the
press  after his second visit at a police station in Denpasar on Sunday.
Australia asked Indonesia to take into account the juvenile status of an
 Australian boy being questioned for alleged drug possession. (AFP Photo) 

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Denpasar. Australia asked Indonesia to take into account the juvenile status of an Australian boy being questioned for alleged drug possession on the resort island of Bali, police said on Sunday.

Australian ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty visited Bali from Jakarta on Saturday to provide moral support to the 14-year-old, who was arrested last Tuesday with 6.9 grams of marijuana, Bali police spokesman Hariadi told AFP.

“The ambassador also appreciated police investigations so far and hoped that the legal process will consider the boy’s young age,” he said.

“Investigations are still ongoing. Indonesia will adhere to laws applicable, including those related to children,” he added.

Police said the teen was arrested as he returned to his hotel from a massage in the Kuta tourist area and had admitted to paying Rp 250,000 ($29) to a man, who reportedly told him he had not eaten for a day and needed money.

The Australian government has made the boy’s release “top priority.”

Moriarty told reporters on Saturday that the boy, who is in police custody, and his family were under “a great deal of stress.”

“My focus in the days ahead is to provide maximum support to the boy and his family so he can return to Australia as quickly as possible,” he said.

“He’s a robust young man but he is under incredible stress.”

Children face the same courts as adults in Indonesia, although juvenile justice laws offer some concessions to minors.

The boy’s lawyer, Muhammad Rifan, said drug possession carries up to 12 years in jail but the sentence is halved for child offenders.

Children are often jailed with adults, although Kerobokan prison, where the boy would spend his term, has a separate children’s cell.

Several Australians are housed in Kerobokan, including a man arrested last month in possession of methamphetamine, and several convicted drug traffickers — two on death row and six serving life sentences.

Agence France-Presse

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Australian Boy Unlikely to Face Prison: Bali Police