He said the new Indonesian Criminal Code states that the death penalty should be used carefully and only for the most serious crimes. He added that crew members without clear intent should receive punishment based on their actual role.
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Indonesian prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for six crew members of the Thai-flagged vessel Sea Dragon after authorities discovered nearly two tonnes of methamphetamines on board, marking the largest drug seizure in the country’s history.
The case, heard in Batam in the Riau Islands near Singapore, has started a debate about criminal responsibility at sea and Indonesia’s use of the death penalty.
The six crew members, including two Thai and three Indonesian nationals, were arrested on May 21 last year when police intercepted the vessel traveling from Bangkok in Riau Islands waters.
Officers found 67 boxes of Chinese tea containing approximately 1.9 tonnes of methamphetamine, linked to an international drug-smuggling network.
Prosecutors allege that all six crew members were aware of the illicit cargo and had received payment to participate, including 22-year-old Fandi Ramadhan, who allegedly received US$488 before starting work on the ship.
Ramadhan’s mother, Nirwana, told reporters her son did not know about the drugs when he joined the vessel as an engine-room oiler. She said the bank transfer cited by prosecutors was an advance on his wages.
“He was just doing his job to support his family,” she said. “He had no knowledge of the illicit cargo. Imposing the death penalty on him is completely unjust.”
The Indonesian Seafarers Rights Guard (SAKTI) and human rights groups, including Amnesty Indonesia, have asked authorities to reconsider the death penalty for crew members who had limited roles.
Maritime law experts said responsibility at sea usually depends on rank. Captains or shipmasters normally carry greater legal responsibility, while lower-ranking crew members may not know about illegal activities.
Human rights lawyer Ranto Sibarani said it is important to prove criminal intent before giving harsh punishments.
Reference: SCMP
Source: Maritime Shipping News