Darwin jury played interview in people smuggling case

A Supreme Court jury in Darwin has been played the police interview of an Indonesian man charged with people trafficking.

Husayni Bin Madi is one of two men who have pleaded not guilty to bringing illegal immigrants into Australia.

It is alleged the men were on board an Indonesian vessel found with 44 passengers at Ashmore Reef last July.

The Indonesian crew were brought back to Darwin and interviewed by federal agents.

When Husayni Bin Madi was asked about his involvement in bringing illegal immigrants to Australia, he refused to answer most police questions.

But he said he realised the passengers were not Indonesian, and thought they came from Iran.

He also admitted he would get paid 2 million rupiah but did not clarify what it was for. The trial continues.

© 2000 Australian Broadcasting Corporation