Thai poachers must be charged: Activist

MEDAN, North Sumatra: An Achenese environmentalist has called on Aceh Police to submit investigation files to prosecutors over the seizure of 20 Thai fishing vessels and the detention of hundreds of crew members for alleged illegal fishing.

Adi Mansar said here on Saturday that the Thai fishermen, who were arrested by security personnel several months ago, should be prosecuted and sentenced to deter other Thai fishermen from poaching in future.

"Poaching by Thai fishermen in Aceh's waters has been on the increase and it should not be overlooked. They must be punished," he said.

Adi, also chief of the Legal Aid Agency's environment division, said taking action would show the international community that Indonesia upheld law enforcement.

Some 20 vessels were impounded in the districts of Singkil, Aceh Jaya, West, East, and South Aceh. --Antara