Chinese fishermen under trial

TERNATE, Maluku: More than 300 Chinese fishermen are being tried in the district court of Tual, Maluku, an official from the local justice ministry office said.

Baren M. Sinaga was quoted by Antara as saying on Tuesday that 301 fishermen and skippers from 16 foreign fishing vessels were detained by Navy patrols while illegally fishing in eastern Maluku Tenggara waters.

The trial of the 301 Chinese fishermen and skippers started Aug. 20, he said.

Thirty-two fishermen from the Philippines were also being tried at the district court of Labuha on Bacan Island, North Maluku, he said.

From June to July naval patrols seized 10 fishing vessels from the Philippines which were illegally fishing in waters near Halmahera, the agency said. (swe)