'Gurita' mishap case to court

'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)