INDONESIAN MAN FACES 20 YEARS IMPRISONMENT IN AUSTRALIA

Brisbane, Oct 11 (ANTARA) - A 35-year-old Indonesian man charged by Australian Federal Police (AFP) with people smuggling under the country's Migration Act, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment if found guilty.
The man was the captain of a vessel with 12 passengers (three Iranians and nine Afghans) that was intercepted by Australia's Border Protection Command on September 29, 2008 near Ashmore Islands.
Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans said, "People smuggling is an abhorrent crime, and the maximum penalty for the offense of organizing to bring a group of five or more non-citizens into Australia is 20 years' imprisonment."
AFP and the Australian immigration service had yet to disclose the identity of the Indonesian captain but an AFP media release quoted Senator Chris Evans as saying a teenage crew member of the vessel would be repatriated to Indonesia.
"The teenage crew member on the vessel will be transferred to Perth where arrangements will be made for his removal to Indonesia," Chris Evans said.
Senator Evans said the government's commitment to border security was firm and resolute and it would continue to take robust measures to protect Australia's borders.
"People smuggling undermines Australia's borders and the integrity of of its immigration system and the government will continue to deal resolutely with unauthorized boat arrivals," Senator Evans said.
He added that the government had also renewed efforts to work closely with regional countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to prevent and deter people from attempting to enter Australia unlawfully.
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration officials on Christmas Island had completed initial interviews with the 12 passengers who were on the intercepted vessel.
They will remain in detention on Christmas Island while immigration officials make a thorough assessment of any claims against Australia's international protection obligations.