CANBERRA (SBS / Pacific Media Watch): The Australian Human Rights Commission has announced an inquiry into Indonesian minors in Australian jails.
The inquiry was announced by the president of the AHRC Catherine Branson, reports SBS. Branson believes there are currently 20 children in adult jails in Australia.
The issue was raised recently by the legal fraternity in Australia in response to the assistance and attention provided to the 14-year-old Australian boy who is awaiting a court decision in Bali over his arrest for possession of marijuana.
The case received constant attention in the press and by Australian foreign minister Kevin Rudd, and Prime Minister Julia Gillard is currently in Indonesia where she has reportedly spoken with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono about the issue.
Allegations that the Nine network brokered a $200,000 deal with the boy's parents, through media go-between Grant Vandenburg, were denied by the network in what Sunday Telegraph editor Neil Breen said was the "oddest" denial he could remember.
Media commentators and Indonesian rights advocates at the time said the alleged deal had harmed the boy's case.
Breen is standing by his sources who say that after the hearing in Bali later this week, the alleged deal is likely to be re-struck.
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Alex Perrottet
