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NEWS BRIEFS
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Posted on Jul 30 1999
Court convicts
wife beaters
If you think you can beat your wife and get away with it, think again. Abused wives are breaking their silence, and prosecutors and the courts are not taking it easy.
Yesterday, Superior Court Associate Judge Timothy Bellas issued separate orders convicting 10 wife beaters.
The court’s orders were based on the plea agreements between the Attorney General’s Office and the defendants brought to the court last July 21.
They were charged separately with assault and battery and disturbing the peace based on their wives’ complaints.
The abusive acts range from verbal attacks to assault with dangerous weapons such as hammer and machete.
The punishments range from six months to two years of imprisonment apart from 100 hours of community service and the requirement for the convicts to attend counseling.
Convicted were Joseph Seman Camacho, Meden George, Jesus Fujihira Tesero, George Tudong Arurang, Jose Demapan Arriola, Yu Sui Lin, Thomas Aguon Aldan, Wutian Iderbal, Sumang Riungel, and Defren Taniro Michael.
Cases of domestic violence, according to government’s statistics, have increased over the years — not necessarily because of the increase in incidents but because victims are learning to come out and report the abuses.
Officials said the government’s stepped up campaign against domestic violence has promoted awareness that beating a spouse is a crime. (MCM)
Garapan building
catches fire
A three-story commercial building in Garapan which houses several shops caught fire yesterday morning destroying Buds Bar, police said.
The fire was discovered by bartender Allan Bila, 35, who was awakened by a thick smoke.
According to Rose Ada, public information officer of the Department of Public Safety, three firetrucks, two ambulance and rescue vehicle were immediately dispatched to the scene. After 30 minutes, firemen were able to control the fire. No one was reported injured. Police are still investigating the cause of fire. (LFR)
