Minor tried for stealing cigarettes

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A 14-year-old boy will be tried for stealing cigarettes, his Indonesian Legal Aid Institute lawyer said yesterday.

Abi Hasan Mu'an's client had been in detention at Way Jepara police precinct since the middle of last month, Antara reported.

"We have unsuccessfully sought his release because he is only a minor," Abi said. "He shouldn't have been treated like an adult in detention."

Abi refused to say how many cigarettes his client had stolen. But said the prosecution had filed a dossier and that a trial could begin any time. (pan)