10 Oct 2011

Arrested boy awaits fate

2:00 pm on 10 October 2011

An Australian boy accused of buying drugs in Bali is waiting to learn his fate. He has now been held in custody for six days.

Police finished their re-examination of the case on Saturday. They have between 15 - 25 days to decide if they will lay charges.

Ambassador Greg Moriarty, saw the boy on Saturday and said the family had asked the media to respect their privacy. He is aged 14.

The ABC reports lawyers say Indonesia's justice system should deal with the boy not as criminal, but as a minor who needs treatment for a drug problem.

A psychologist who examined him on Friday is expected to submit a report on his condition on Monday which will bolster that case.

The teenager, who was on holidays with his parents, was with a friend when he was arrested with 3.6 grams of marijuana last Tuesday afternoon.

If convicted of possession, he would face a maximum term of six years in prison.

The family was due to return to Australia on 10 October.