Lawyer for drugs charges model quits

Lawyer for drugs charges model quits

DENPASAR, Bali: The Indonesian lawyer representing an Australian model held on drugs charges on the resort island of Bali said on Friday he quit the case because he could not meet her expectations.

Muhammad Rifan said Michelle Leslie and her family had made demands which were impossible to meet under Indonesia's legal system. "I resigned because I am unable to meet the target set by my client and her family. We work according to the existing rules and system and we can't work beyond those boundaries," Rifan told AFP.

Leslie, a 24-year-old who has modelled for a lingerie brand, could face 15 years in prison if found guilty under Indonesia's tough anti-narcotics laws.

Rifan said his team could seek a lesser charge with a maximum sentence of three months. -- AFP