Chinese fishermen under trial

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)