'Gurita' mishap case to court

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Five of six people believed to bear primary responsibility for the Gurita ship accident that claimed over 300 lives in January will stand trial soon.

The police said five dossiers for the suspects were sent last week. The sixth suspect was ill, they said, and questioning would continue after he recovers.

Under the criminal code, the suspects may be imprisoned for six years if found guilty of neglecting safety precautions.

Capt. P. Budi Astuti, Aceh police spokesperson, told Antara that 10 witnesses would testify in the trials.

The suspects' lawyers, Muslim Rasyid and Ismoyoti, said they are seeking house arrest for their clients, who are now in custody. (03)