Two Indonesians plead guilty to people smuggling

23 October 2009 | 08:06:32 PM | Source: AAP

Two Indonesians have pleaded guilty to people smuggling on a boat that exploded off Australia's northwest coast.

Mohamad Tahir, 19, and a man known only as Beny, 20, have each been charged with illegally bringing five or more people into Australia.

The two men were crew members aboard a boat, known as SIEV 36, that was apprehended by the Australian navy on April 15.

The boat was being taken to Christmas Island the next day when it exploded and caught fire near Ashmore Reef, killing five asylum seekers and injuring more than 40. At the NT Supreme Court in Darwin on Thursday, Tahir and Beny appeared in the dock, assisted by an interpreter.

"Yes I am guilty of bringing people who have no lawful right to come to Australia," he said as he looked down at his feet. Beny, dressed in a mustard jumper and with downcast eyes, also pleaded guilty. T

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