Jakarta, IO – Foreign Ministry sent a diplomatic note to Saudi government regarding the detention of two Indonesian citizens accused of drug trafficking. Communications with the Saudi side has been carried out intensively.
“Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia in Riyadh are currently communicating with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic notes and the Saudi Police in Riyadh regarding information that two Indonesian citizens involved in drug trafficking cases in Saudi Arabia,” said Citizen Protection Director Judha Nugraha, reported CNN Indonesia, Thursday (18/5).
In addition to these measures, the Indonesian Embassy has looked into the possibility of appointing lawyers, especially if it is categorized as serious crimes.
“The Indonesian Embassy will provide legal assistance as well as translators during the whole legal process,” added Judha.
Two female citizens were previously arrested by the Riyadh Police. They are suspected of being involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine.The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, there are nine Indonesian citizens detained in prisons in Riyadh and Unaizah (Qassem province) on drug-related offences.
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“The sentences handed down to the nine drug users are one year imprisonment,” said Judha.
The Saudi criminal laws stipulate that possession or use of drugs will be punishable by public flogging, fines, imprisonment, and deportation. Anyone found dealing in huge quantity of drugs in Saudi Arabia is liable for the death penalty. (un)