Australia arrests 140 illegal immigrants<\/p>\n
CANBERRA, Australia (AP): A boat of illegal immigrants caught
\nby Australian authorities contained 140 Iraqis and two Indonesian
\ncrew members, officials said Saturday.<\/p>\n
After the boat was stopped on Friday night, it was escorted to
\nChristmas Island, 1,400 kilometers off the coast of Western
\nAustralia in the Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n
The incident was the biggest single attempt by illegals to
\nenter Australia.<\/p>\n
Those on board were taken to a sports hall on the island under
\nAustralian Federal Police supervision.<\/p>\n
The 40-meter fishing vessel was believed to have come from
\nIndonesia. Authorities say they are unsure how the Iraqis,
\nincluding seven women and 13 children, got to Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock said he was worried that
\npeople-smuggling gangs may have shifted base from China. \"I am
\nconcerned about the large numbers of arrivals we've had this year
\non relatively small boats from Indonesia.\"<\/p>\n
He said two people had been arrested in relation to the
\nincident. Possible penalties include 20 years jail and fines of
\nup to A$200,000 (US$130,000). All were in good health, although
\nthree were later hospitalized for dehydration.<\/p>\n
Justice Minister Amanda Vanstone said after a search the boat
\nappeared to have been specifically fitted out for people
\nsmuggling. \"Plenty of food and water for 140 people. So the
\nassessment is that it appears to be especially equipped for this
\npurpose.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/australia-arrests-140-illegal-immigrants-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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