US teen held in Bali suitcase killing assaulted in custody - lawyer

DENPASAR - An American teenager suspected of killing her mother, whose body was found in a suitcase in Bali, has revealed she is pregnant and claims she has been assaulted in custody, her lawyer said.

Heather Mack, 19, who denies any involvement in her mother's death, also alleges police on the Indonesian resort island have threatened to deprive her of food and water if she does not speak to them, her US-based lawyer Michael Elkin said in a statement.

He added that she was around two months pregnant.

However Bali police rejected the claims, insisting that all detainees were treated well.

The half-naked, battered body of Sheila von Wiese Mack, 62, was discovered on Tuesday last week stuffed in a blood-stained suitcase in the boot of a taxi outside the exclusive St. Regis hotel in the upscale Nusa Dua resort area.

Her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, 21, who had been on holiday with the victim, were arrested a day later after fleeing the hotel.

Police say they have strong evidence against the pair, and are leaning towards charging them with premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death in Indonesia.

However, Elkin has insisted claims that Heather Mack was involved in her mother's death are false.

"Said allegations and reports are not true and will be disproven as the investigation continues or at the conclusion of trial, if formal charges are indeed filed," he said in a statement.

The daughter and her boyfriend have been named suspects in the case, but under the Indonesian legal system would only be formally charged in court at the start of a trial.

In a statement sent to AFP late Saturday, Elkin said his client "has been seriously physically assaulted while in custody", without giving further details, adding that she has been "pregnant for approximately two months".

"Heather was told that if she does not speak to the police she will be deprived of food and water," the statement went on.

"Heather was told that unless her attorney arrives within days she will be deprived of food and water and that he will be denied access to meet with her," it added.

The suspected killers have refused to talk to Indonesian investigators and insisted on having American legal representation. Elkin said he plans to head to Bali soon. He said that he was not representing Schaefer.

But Djoko Hari Utomo, police chief in the Balinese capital Denpasar, insisted: "All those detained here are well treated."

"I do not want to comment on something which doesn't even exist."

An FBI agent has travelled to Bali to help in the investigation, police on the resort island said Saturday. A doctor also revealed new details of the killing, including that the victim's neck had been broken.

source: interaksyon.com

Miss World Megan Young overwhelmed by rapturous homecoming welcome

Megan Young couldn’t help but wax emotional upon seeing the throng of well-wishers that greeted her much-anticipated homecoming at the NAIA Terminal 1 Thursday.

“These are tears of joy. I’m just really happy to be home. I’m just really happy to see everyone,” exclaimed the newly crowned Miss World 2013 during a mini-press conference upon her arrival.

The 23-year-old Filipino-American actress and film student admitted that she still couldn’t believe she was the new Miss World even after she had proceeded to London following her victory in the prestigious pageant in Bali, Indonesia.

“First time ko sa Europe. Hindi ko ma-imagine na magta-trabaho pala ako doon as Miss World. It still hasn’t sunk in to me yet,” she confessed.

As she learns more of her upcoming activities in her scheduled world tour, Megan said she now has a better understanding of the “Beauty with a Purpose” mission of the pageant.

“Ang gusto ko lang sanang hilingin, hindi lang ako ang nandidito para sa Miss World, sana lahat ng Pilipino dito at everyone worldwide kasama ko sa journey bilang Miss World. Hindi lang po ito korona, malaking bahagi ng puso bilang Miss World ang ibinabahagi namin sa buong mundo,” she pleaded.

She later revealed that she intends to raise funds for the charitable projects of Miss World, particularly for the children of Africa who have no access to clean water.

“I was very excited when they told me we were going to Kenya and Ghana because I’ve always wanted to go to those parts of Africa,” Megan said during another press conference at Solaire Resorts and Casino that preceded her homecoming victory dinner party.

As for her own countrymen, Megan’s schedule for the next four days will be capped with a charity visit to the Philippine General Hospital. She said she also hopes to do charity work for street children here while reiterating her concern for the recent typhoon victims in her hometown of Olongapo City which she will visit on Saturday.

“Para sa mga kababayan ko rin po sa Olongapo, I just hope everyone’s okay. I will visit my fellow Batang Gapo during my stay here,” she added.

Although she did not make it on time to toss the ceremonial jump ball in the equally anticipated NBA Global Game between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers, Megan was likewise greeted with loud cheers upon her arrival at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from her visits to Olongapo and the PGH, Megan’s busy schedule include a courtesy call with President Noynoy Aquino at Malacañang this Friday. This will be followed by a Grand Fans Day that will commence with a motorcade victory parade from Makati to SM Mall of Asia where a meet-and-greet affair will immediately follow.

With regards to personal matters, the reigning Miss World was asked if there was anyone special in her life right now. Megan replied in the negative but did not rule out the prospects of meeting one in the course of her travels as Miss World.

Prior to her winning Miss World Philippines this year that led to her crowning as the new Miss World, Megan was romantically linked with GMA Network talent Mikael Daez. Neither Megan nor Mikael have publicly admitted being in a relationship.

Megan managed to post a lone tweet early Friday morning that expressed what it means for her to finally come home.

source: interaksyon.com

Bali’s Most Extravagant Luxury Villas

INDONESIA - Nestled in incomparable beauty, Bali is famous for enchanted landscapes, serene spas and pristine beaches. In a world where luxury villas are standard, discovering the absolute best for an extraordinary getaway is imperative. Vilondo Villa Rental recently presented their list of the most extravagant villas in Bali and their top three picks are the perfect starting point.

"Living like royalty along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean will cost you between 2000 and 4000 USD a day, but as the villas can house up to 20 people, the price per person doesn’t have to be more than the price of a good hotel room," said Stefan Russel, co-founder of Vilondo Villa Rental.

Villa Istana in Bukit Bali Soars 100 Meters Above the Indian Ocean

The five-suite Istana estate rests upon a picturesque cliff on the southwestern tip of the island overlooking white sand beaches and a lagoon abundant with sea life and coral. The impressive cliff-side gazebo offers guests mesmerizing Indian Ocean sunsets, along with the perfect setting for romantic meals, barbeques and gourmet cocktails from a fully stocked bar. Guests can rejuvenate with tranquil spa treatments offered in-house including invigorating body scrubs, signature facials, ultimate manicures and essential pedicures. While adults unwind, children can explore their own wing complete with a playroom and poolroom.

While there are few reasons to leave this immaculate villa that overlooks waves that catch worldwide surfing attention, exploring Bali’s nearby cultural gems such as the revered Uluwatu temple is simple and thrilling in the accompanying refurbished VW convertible and Toyota Alphard.

Eco-conscious Taman Ahimsa Redefines Beachside Paradise

A world of enchanting gardens and fragrant flowers awaits guests at Taman Ahimsa, an eco-conscious "retreat by the sea." The property’s masterful architecture is designed to enhance the gentle surroundings with the natural elements of Bali, creating the ultimate backdrop for a magnificent beach-side vacation. No detail or request is overlooked…guests can immerse themselves in the freeform 20-metre swimming pool lined with green Java stone that employs a low-to-no chemical ozone system that is soft on the earth and gentle on the skin, or lounge under an umbrella on an over-sized rattan sun bed on the surrounding ironwood deck. On-site cooks prepare fresh, wholesome cuisine, using organic produce, ayurvedic ingredients and fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen.

Numerous dining and sitting areas are ideal for leisure breakfasts, poolside lunches, afternoon tea, sublime dinners and sunset gatherings. Therapeutic massages are offered in relaxation pavilions with the best masseurs and Balinese healers on the island. The Nirwana Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman, as well as Tanah Lot, Bali’s most dramatic sea temple, are both just 10 minutes away. The infinite ocean views enjoyed while surfing, rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing and cycling complete this fantasy retreat.

Live the Bali Dream at Villa Atas Ombak in Langun Bali

Magnificent views of the Indian Ocean greet guests as they wake each morning in what is known as one of Bali’s most luxurious beach-side villas. Sprawling over one and a half acres of land, the refined property features five elegantly appointed bedrooms, each with their own private open-air bathroom. With an extensive experienced household staff to take care of all cooking and shopping, as well as to cater to every whim and desire, guests have nothing to do but enjoy the serene beach, two inviting swimming pools, entertainment pavilion, traditionally thatched gazebo and exquisite library.

Additionally, Villa Atas Ombak is a member of the Canggu Club (Bali's first country club) and villa guests are eligible to use the club facilities, including a full gym, spa, tennis and squash courts, football pitch, large pool and all its F&B facilities.

source: mb.com.ph