Pubdate: Wed, 20 Apr 2005
Source: Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 News Limited
Contact:  http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/113

DEMOCRATS ENTER BALI ARGUMENT

THE nine Australians under arrest in Bali on possible drug trafficking 
charges should have been arrested in Australia, the Democrats said today.

Justice Minister Chris Ellison had much to answer for in allowing them to 
be detained in Indonesia on Australian information, and left to face 
execution, Democrats leader Lyn Allison said.

The Australian Federal Police and the Federal Government have faced 
criticism for tipping off Indonesian police about the alleged drug ring, 
leading to the arrests of the nine in Bali where the death penalty applies 
for drug trafficking.

"It's outrageous for the minister to now suggest that Australia didn't 
consider the matter that they may face the death penalty," Senator Allison 
said.

"This is a first offence and death penalty is not justice for those 
circumstances.

"They should have been tried in Australia and returned here rather than 
face the death penalty in Indonesia."

Senator Allison said Australia did not have laws that resulted in people 
being executed.

"That's been a very longstanding legal situation in this country, and one 
that I believe has wide public support," she said.

"It's a bit like the 'Pacific solution' for asylum seekers.

"It's also a bit like those people who are taken to other countries to be 
tortured.

"It seems the Government wants to evade its own laws and to send a message 
to people via the laws of another country which are more extreme."
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MAP posted-by: Beth