Three arrested over pirated discs

JAKARTA (JP): Three men have been arrested in separated raids in South Jakarta for allegedly being involved in the distribution of pirate laser and video compact discs, city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday.

Aritonang said the three were believed to be responsible for the distribution of 4,848 discs, some of which were pornographic movies, in their stores.

The three, identified respectively only as Ads, 26, Yk, 26, and Nm, 35, were arrested during a series of raids Wednesday afternoon on three stores in Tebet Timur Dalam, Kampung Melayu Besar and Pasar Tebet Barat, he said.

"The three have allegedly violated Article 43 of the 1997 Law No. 12 on intellectual property rights."

The law stipulates a maximum penalty of seven years in jail and/or Rp 50 million fine for selling pirate goods.

He said the suspects had also violated Article 282 of the Criminal Code on the distribution of items which contain pornographic pictures or words to the public.

The article stipulates a maximum penalty of one year and six months in jail or Rp 3,000 in fine.

Aritonang said police were still not sure whether the suspects allegedly replicated the discs themselves.

So far, no recording machines have been confiscated from the suspects, he said.

The three are being detained at Tebet Police station for further investigation. (cst)