Arriving home, Zarina faces three charges
JAKARTA (JP): Zarina returned from the United States yesterday to face two other minor charges besides the one on trafficking in Ecstasy: forging immigration documents, and attempting to smuggle sharp weapons, police said.
The first investigation, by immigration officials, began only a few hours after her arrival from a long flight from Houston.
"Doctors confirmed that she's fit to undergo interrogation," Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata told reporters at his office, where the TV actress is being detained.
"Today, Zarina is being questioned by immigration officials about the immigration papers she used to go abroad," Hamami said.
Iman Santoso from Jakarta immigration office said he had no idea which immigration rules had been violated.
"We're still waiting for the result of the questioning; how did she leave the country, what documents she used, and who helped her," Iman said at the news conference.
The third charge related to a Bernett crossbow and three arrows which she brought with her from the Netherlands, without necessary papers, two months before her widely publicized arrest following the discovery of 29,677 Ecstasy pills at her home.
Agus Wisnu, a customs officer at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport, said investigation into the origin of the bow was interrupted because of her Ecstasy case. "During our short questioning, Zarina said she had bought the goods for hunting," Agus said.
If found guilty of attempting to smuggle a sharp weapon, Zarina could face a maximum penalty of seven years in jail, he added.
Lawyers earlier said she faces a maximum of 15 years imprisonment if convicted for distributing dangerous drugs, the charge police plan to pin on her for the 29,677 Ecstasy pills.
Police made no mention of pressing charges for duping her arresting officer and escaping custody.
Hamami promised a swift investigation for all three cases.
"We want all the dossiers for the three cases to be completed as soon as possible," he said. "Zarina's relatives and friends, who might have helped her escape, will be questioned later."
Five police officers who hunted Zarina all the way to her hiding place in Houston, will receive special awards tomorrow. The five are Lt. Col. Gories Mere, Lt. Col. Bakat Purwanto, Maj. Carlo Tewu, Capt. Tomy Watulu and First Sergeant Vivi Cangkung.
Zarina's lawyer Amir Syamsuddin, who accompanied Zarina on the flight home, appealed to the media not to condemn his client ahead of the trial.
Amir said the media have "already passed judgment" on Zarina, Antara reported.
Zarina's brother, Julian Zulfikar, urged that his sister be given a fair investigation and a fair trial.
Julian, who was among the crowd at the Soekarno-Hatta airport awaiting for her return yesterday, said the family was relieved that Zarina's days as a fugitive were finally over.
Zarina phoned home before boarding the flight for Jakarta, asking for the family's blessings, he said. "She was sad, and she cried, because although officially her status is a suspect, she has already been treated like that (a criminal)."
He also stressed that Zarina surrendered voluntarily and was not arrested. (bsr/28)