Australian tried in firearm case

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