(7/19/2008)
Wayan Kayun, a satay vendor from Jimbaran is facing the prospect of serious jail time for selling turtle meat satay.
In a case now being heard before the courts in Denpasar, the public prosecutor argues that on March 13, 2008, Kayun was caught by police at his home in Jimbaran preparing satay and lawar using turtle meat. In the subsequent police interrogation Kayun admitted that he had purchased 15 kilograms of turtle meat for Rp. 600,000 (US$65).
The prosecutor told the Court that the meat was derived from green turtles, placing Kayun in criminal violation of protected species laws and making the man subject to fines and a maximum prison term of 5 years.
The satay seller has begged the Court for a light sentence, claiming he did not know his actions were against the law and that his family has been selling turtle meat stay for generations.
The prosecutor will submit his sentence demands in the week starting July 20, 2009.
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