One of the accused made a comprehensive statement regarding the charges.
He told the court that he was forced by five armed men to participate in the attack on the Taipan. He had been picked up by the Dutch marines before, when he and other fishermen had been in an emergency when their motor had failed on the open sea. When they saw the Dutch frigate they tried to attract their attention. He believes the Dutch marines are doing practice runs where they deliberately arrest fishermen. The group of fishermen were released and were even given a new motor. On their way back to the coast they were set upon by the five armed men. The accused was kidnapped, while one other fisherman was killed and thrown overboard and another severely injured.
