Dutch defendant almost gives birth at trial

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): A defendant charged with smuggling 11,370 Ecstasy pills almost went into labor during a court hearing yesterday.

The 25-year-old Dutch defendant, BAR, was rushed at about 12:30 p.m. to the Tangerang General Hospital when her water broke. The hospital is two kilometers away from the Tangerang District Court.

The court was hearing the testimony of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport customs official Heru Susanto.

Suddenly the defendant looked nervous, saying she wet her clothing and had stomach pains. Judge D.D. Siahaan stopped the trial and spectators crowded around to see BAR being carried to the prison vehicle. As of late yesterday the baby had not been born.

Her water broke due to stress, Dr. Bambang Gunawan said.

"She said she hopes the delivery happens as soon as possible so she could be more calm during the hearings," Bambang said.

Sources said BAR collapsed earlier in the Tangerang detention center for women.

BAR is on trial with another Dutch defendant, EHS, 42. BAR was arrested on April 21 at the airport. Customs officials said they found Ecstasy pills of various colors in her suitcase. EHS was arrested the following day when he went to the airport to pick up an acquaintance.

The defendants are charged with violating the 1992 law on health. Offenders face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a fine of Rp 300 million. (28/anr)