National

Newmont Trial Strictly Guarded
Monday, 08 August, 2005 | 19:17 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Manado, North Sulawesi:The trial into the suspected pollution of Buyat Bay, in which PT Newmont Minahasa Raya President Richard Ness is a suspect in the case, is being strictly guarded.

The Manado District Court has issued special identity cards for visitors to be able to enter the City Hall Multifunction Room where the trial is being held.

A detachment of anti-terror troops are also being deployed nearby.

This is the first ever trial involving the mining company based in Denver, USA.

Ness is accused of having violated the 1997 State Decree regarding the Environment, and faces a possible sentence of 10 years in jail.

Prior to the trial, Luhut Pangaribuan, Ness’ lawyer said, “There is no evidence indicating that any pollution was committed (by Newmont) in the Buyat Bay case.”

The trial is receiving serious attention from both foreign and domestic journalists. (Ahmad Heid-Tempo News Room)