Australian tried in firearm case

DENPASAR, Bali: A South African-born Australian citizen charged with the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition could face the death sentence if convicted by the Denpasar District Court.

Prosecutors told the court on Monday that Christopher Packer, 52, had violated Emergency Law No. 12/1951 on the illegal possession of firearms in Indonesian territory.

The charges carry a minimum penalty of life imprisonment and the maximum death sentence.

"We have decided not to present a defense plea against the charges read out by the prosecutors. So, we ask the court to directly proceed with the trial by examining witnesses," said Packer's lawyer M. Rifan from the Austrindo Law Office.

The panel of judges led by I Gede Damendra adjourned the trial until Friday to hear witnesses statements.

Packer, the captain of the MV Lissa Avatiu ship, was arrested on Nov. 19, 2004, some 14 miles from the coastal line off Serangan island in Benoa, Bali.

Police confiscated at least six firearms, including two Mosser guns, one Ruger Mini, one Winchester and one Revolver S&W Magnum, as well as 2,784 bullets from the fishing boat.

Packer is being detained at Kerobokan prison in Kuta. --JP