Aussie's Teenager Facing 3 Months in Jail

VIVAnews – General Prosecutor charged an Australian teenager, LM (14), three months in prison due to marijuana possession.  The hearing was held in closed session.

The presiding prosecutor, I Gusti Putu Gede Atmaja read the verdict in Denpasar District Court, on Friday, in the presence of the judge, Amsar Simanjuntak.  In this hearing, LM is charged with Narcotics Law.

After the hearing, M Rifan as LM’s lawyer demanded the judge to release his client.  Even if proven guilty, Rifan asked for rehabilitation verdict, not imprisonment, for LM.  “The client can be rehabilitated whether in Australia or in Indonesia, whichever,” he said.

Referring to the Supreme Court circular, he said, children should receive rehabilitation verdict instead of imprisonment.  Being in a prison would not be beneficial for the child. “Even with three months verdict, LM and his family were in shock and cried,” he said.

LM was apprehended on Padma Street, Legian, Kuta, Bali.  He was caught possessing 6.9 grams of dry marijuana.  LM was charged with Article 111 Law No. 35 Year 2009 about Narcotics with maximal sentence of 12 years in prison.  LM’s arrest caught the attention of Australian public and media. 

--

Coverage by: Bobby Andalan | Bali