Accused smuggler denies working for SIEV-X organiser

ABC
Last Update: Wednesday, June 1, 2005. 5:00pm (AEST)

Accused people smuggler Khaleed Daoed has denied working for the man who organised the voyage of the SIEV-X, which sank en route to Christmas Island causing the deaths of more than 350 people.

Daoed has given evidence at his Supreme Court trial in Brisbane.

Daoed has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aiding a people smuggling operation run by convicted smuggler Abu Quassey.

The crown alleges Daoed helped organise two voyages from Indonesia to Australia in 2001, including the boat dubbed the SIEV-X by Australian authorities.

Daoed told the court his UN refugee status allowed him to help asylum seekers with their day-to-day living needs and act as a go-between, but denied being employed by Quassey.

Through an interpreter, Daoed said: "I swear to god I have nothing to do with Abu Quassey. I'm helping refugees who are my friends and relatives."

X-URL: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200506/s1382293.htm

Back to sievx.com