In line with Indonesia’s stated firm position against drug trafficking, Indonesian prosecutors reportedly confirmed they will press charges carrying the death penalty against kiwi Antony de Malmanche.
De Malmanche was detained by Indonesian police on December 1, 2014 for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.7 kilograms of meth into Bali.
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The New Zealand man claims he was going overseas to meet “Jessie,” his online girlfriend. He instead ended up being diverted to Hong Kong to meet Jessie’s assistant who he alleges gave him a bag and instructions to fly to Bali where he would meet Jessie in person, reports the AAP.
De Malmanche’s lawyers say the kiwi didn’t know there was 1.7 kilograms of meth in the backpack when Bali customs stopped him upon arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport.
However, the AAP is also reporting that prosecutor Siti Sawiyah says de Malmanche will be charged with offenses carrying the death sentence as the maximum penalty.
“We will keep the suspect in detention in Kerobokan prison,” she told reporters on Thursday, as quoted by the AAP.
But Chris Harno, a lawyer of de Malmanche says his client is in a delicate state. “He suffers pain in his spine and the back of his neck … suffered long ago, but he still feels it now,” Harno reportedly said.
“My focus in court will be to try to get him off the death penalty.”
Photo by AFP
