Italian accused of molestation

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): An Italian national suspected of sexually molesting eight minors will remain in police custody despite the fact that his visa expires on Saturday, a high-ranking police official said.

Buleleng Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. HM Syafei said on Thursday evening that the 67-year-old man, identified only as "Mar", was the prime suspect in the crime. "There are no reasons to release him until the investigation and all legal proceedings are completed."

The suspect was arrested last Monday after Buleleng Police received reports from parents that their children had been allegedly molested.

Buleleng is some 100 kilometers north of Denpasar.

The victims, two 15 year olds and two 12 year olds, are all street vendors in Buleleng, the prime tourist area of Lovina.

The parents said that the suspect had forced their children to perform oral sex on him. The youths later confirmed their parents' reports.

The victims said the man had lured each of them to his hotel room with the promise of paying Rp 30,000 and then forced them to perform oral sex.

"When I refused to do so he threatened (to beat) me. After he finished he asked me to introduce him to my other friends," a victim said.

Bali Governor Dewa Beratha has asked the police to thoroughly investigate the case and to ensure that he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. (zen)