Filipino dies in detention

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: One of 10 Filipino fishermen detained at the Tanjung Redep detention died over the weekend, a judge said yesterday.

The fishermen are on trial on charges of territorial infringement and poaching in the Berau regency.

Judge Subur Susetyo of the Tanjung Redep district court said that an autopsy was being be performed on Rolando Razon, 21, to determine the precise cause of death.

Subur said the fisherman died shortly after he complained of sickness to his fellow countrymen. "He died on his way to the hospital," Subur said.

Meanwhile, Doctor Munir of the Tanjung Redep Hospital who performed the autopsy said he did not find anything which suggested that the detainee had been tortured.

The Filipinos were arrested and their boat confiscated early this year. According to Subur, they will be acquitted if the court fails to issue a verdict by Sept. 10 when their second unextendible detention term expires. (pan)