FBI Urged To Probe The Alleged Holding Of Indonesian Fishermen In A-Samoa
Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, has requested Congressman Faleomavaega Eni’s assistance regarding 42 Indonesian fishermen who are believed to be held in American Samoa.
It is believed that three of these fishermen are also missing.
- ADVERTISEMENT -
“I am very concerned with the safety and treatment of these 42 Indonesian fishermen,” Faleomavaega wrote yesterday to Mukasey.
“Notwithstanding the lack of information known on this matter so far, I hope the fishermen have been afforded due process and been given proper treatment by the owners of the fishing vessels that have delivered fish for processing in American Samoa.”
Faleomavaega said Parnohadiningrat is planning to visit American Samoa sometime next week and the two plan to meet to find out more about the status of these Indonesian nationals.
The Congressman informed Mukasey that he is also concerned if the fishermen are in danger, requesting an immediate investigation by the FBI into possible violations of federal laws and any activities that could jeopardize their health, safety and well-being.
“Any violations committed should be subject either under the full extent of the United States laws or under the current provisions of the treaty relations between Indonesia and the United States,” he said and requested Mukasey to keep him abreast of those who will be involved in the investigation, particularly the individuals assigned by the FBI.
Copies of the letter were sent to the governor, the lieutenant governor and the Fono leadership.
Efforts to obtain additional information from the FBI office in Honolulu on this case were unsuccessful.
