Father Brennan denies
British tabloid report that the
orphanage caters to pedophiles
Says he is concerned that the article will hurt his kids
By Pattaya Mail
staff reporters
Father Ray Brennan, founder of the Pattaya Orphanage who
has helped thousands of children over the last 33 years, denied allegations
by a British tabloid newspaper that he arranged meetings between wealthy
pedophiles and children in his care.
Father
Ray Brennan, founder of the Pattaya Orphanage, emphatically denied
allegations by a British tabloid newspaper that he arranged meetings between
wealthy pedophiles and children in his care.
The article, which had no byline, was published last
Sunday in the British weekly tabloid “The People”. Excerpts also
appeared on the front page of a Thai national daily newspaper.
In a press conference at the Pattaya Orphanage on Tuesday
morning, Father Ray said, “I have called the press conference to safeguard
the reputation of my children and to clear my name.”
To this Father Ray added, “I have never been involved
in, or, arranged any pedophilic rendezvous during my whole life. I condemn
pedophiles, totally.”
Father Ray acknowledged that a man identified himself as
a UK Lottery winner and told him that he was willing to make a 1.8 million
pounds (125.5 million baht) donation to the orphanage. Father Ray said that
the man, who identified himself as Robert Merlin, said he wanted to give a
donation to the orphanage to get the children off the street. The money was
apparently going to be used to help the children and build a bigger place
for the kids to stay.
“Now I realize that this was a provocation and
manipulation,” Father Ray said. Father Ray has lived in Thailand for over
40 years and founded the orphanage some 33 years ago.
The article stated that Father Ray, “Invited wealthy
pedophiles to meet children in his care, allow them to take (the children)
on picnics at the beach and public park, as well discuss the best places to
pick up young boys.”
Suporntham
Mongkolsawat, head of the Redemptorist Vocational College for the Disabled
gives Father Ray a basket of flowers to show his support.
“I agreed to meet him because he asked to come here …
He wanted to come and give a donation of 1.8 million pounds (to the
orphanage), so I invited him so come.
“We had a one-hour conversation, during which Mr.
Merlin asked me many questions. It was at that time we discussed the
pedophile situation in Pattaya. I was uncomfortable with the conversation.
He took bits and pieces of the conversation and turned them to serve his
purpose.
“I’ve worked all my life here for children and
you’re all welcome to go to any project - the blind school, deaf school,
the orphanage, the home for kids off the street, the vocational school for
handicapped young people - and you can ask anybody you want anything you
want. You’ll get nothing negative about our way of doing things here.
“I’ve spent 42 years here helping people and I’ve
taken care of kids with no parents, kids with no money … I have given them
an education. I have 20 kids in university. I spent my whole life working
for the children, not to hurt them.”
“I’d like to ask this man what he’s done during his
life?” he added.
“I’m afraid it (the article) is going to hurt my kids
first of all, because their parents read the papers. Then I’m worried
about the reputation of the orphanage, second, and finally myself.”
“This is a thing that will stick, this is a negative
point on my life for the rest of my life whatever I do. I have helped
thousands of children and these are kids who had no hope for anything, not
even money to go to school, so I got them to school and all my schools are
free. I do that that because I want to help kids, certainly not to hurt
kids. That goes against the whole way of my life. I’ve only done the
opposite.”
“I’m not bothered about being hurt, I’m 70 years
old and probably don’t have long to live, but the orphanage does and these
kids do, too.”
The Pattaya Orphanage and its other projects survive
solely on donations locally and internationally, with most of the funds
coming from donations and child sponsorships.
It is usually sponsors or somebody associated with the
orphanage for a long time who request to take children on day tips. “We
always have somebody to go along with them. You have to be known to the
orphanage and a sponsor. Even then we have a teacher that goes along with
everybody,” said Gary Bruton, a volunteer at the orphanage for over seven
years.
“The article gave the impression that there was a
‘ring’ of rich pedophiles taking children out on day trips. In the seven
years I’ve been here I’ve never seen anything like that. The idea is
totally absurd for someone to think this way,” Gary added.
Father Ray reiterated, “I probably wouldn’t have let
them (take the kids out) because at that time I was getting a little
frightened. I never let them take any kids out and they didn’t take any
kids out. Our general policy is: a kid goes out, there’s a chaperone!”
Father Ray said he would not take legal action against
the publication because it would cost too much to bring it to court. “No,
I will not take legal action, it would cost me an arm and a leg and they
haven’t really accused (me) of being anything except willing to cooperate
with them on a different term than they thought.”
In the close of the statement Father Brennan condemned
all pedophiles saying that he rests his case on the thousands of children he
has fed, educated and given love and care to over the last 42 years.
Father Banchong, who is the director of the orphanage,
told the Pattaya Mail there is absolutely no chance of anything
happening like what was stated in the article. “We help children and never
refuse any child that calls for help. Father Ray has done everything for the
kids and he has an open door to those who wish to see him. Everybody here
loves Father Ray.”
Shortly afterwards another press conference was held at
the Town in Town Hotel, where some 300 police officers had adjourned to
lunch after the first half of a training seminar. The commander of the Thai
Tourist Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit Miphan spoke to the press on a range of
subjects, including the incident concerning the orphanage.
“I understand there has been a press conference already
… the tourist police are already investigating the matter. We should have
the results of the investigation soon. Father Ray is responsible for himself
and if there is any wrongdoing, anywhere, we will take the necessary steps.
The orphanage has been operating for over thirty years and if there has been
any impropriety, it would have closed long ago,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit
Miphan said. “This is Thailand and we will support those who do good for
the society as a whole, and those who seek to do the wrong thing, they will
face the full force of the law.”
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit also said officers in the region
will be inspecting all associations and charity organizations for correct
registration and documentation, and said that for many years the orphanage
has all the correct and proper documentation in place.
Concerning pedophiles in Thailand, the police commander
said that the entire police force has been instructed to strictly enforce
the law pertaining to child molestation. Perpetrators face a 10-year minimum
jail sentence and a hefty fine, and information will be passed from
embassies regarding potential offenders. “Thailand is taking a strong
stance against predators of children. They will be blacklisted. Thailand
does not want sex tourists, no country wants pedophiles.”
The issue of foreign freelance, fly by night reporters
writing sensationalist stories destroying the image of Thailand just to sell
a story, as was the case with the tabloid article on the Pattaya Orphanage,
was raised by Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit responded that, “This concerns the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and immigration officials, the tourist police can help but
it’s not really our responsibility.”
“Speaking as a Thai citizen, we don’t want these sort
of people here. In the foreign media there is generally the name of the
author attached to the article and if it is severe this name can be added to
a blacklist if need be,” Sanit added.
The article in the British Tabloid, both in the national
newspaper and on the internet edition, failed to give the author’s name.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit Miphan also said that he had made personal donations
to the Pattaya Orphanage in the past, seeing it as a worthy charity to
contribute to.
Walking Street to
host giant Chinese
New Year party
Songklod Kaewvisit
It looks like Walking Street will be the place to be this
year to celebrate Chinese New Year, as the city plans to organize grand
festivities to mark the occasion on February 1st.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat announced that a big
parade and a number of thrilling shows are on tap to mark the event.
The parade will start at Pattaya City Hall where candles
will be lit to commemorate King Taksin the Great. The parade will then
proceed to the Sawang Boriboon Foundation to collect more attendants, then
continue on to Walking Street, South Pattaya at around 6 p.m. Beach Road
will be closed from 4.30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the day.
In the evening, a 7-headed dragon will be roaming the
street, climbing poles and sprinkling holy water on people to wish them well
during the New Year celebration.
The 7-headed dragon is 69 meters long, with a green body
similar to the Great Snake or Phaya Nak, which Thais believe is the guardian
of the sea and water. Its fins are golden, similar to the dragon that
Chinese believe lives in heaven, portrays the god of wind and rain and
protects the people on earth who pay respect to it. The 7headed dragon needs
over 100 people to operate. This will be a rare chance for those who have
never experienced this extraordinary demonstration to see it for themselves.
The next highlight of the night will be a “9 dragons in
9 colors” show, plus 2 more dragons in rainbow colors. These dragons will
be controlled boys 6 - 10 years old.
People of Chinese heritage believe that dragons can chase
away evil, and it is an honor for the family to have one at home to protect
the house and family members. It is something that one should not miss on
Chinese New Year, February 1st at Walking Street, South Pattaya.
Walking Street committee members consider allowing
food vendors back to the streets
Songklod Kaewvisit
Food vendors have been creating a nuisance on Walking
Street by setting up their booths on public sidewalks. Although authorities
have tried to limit this practice or at least force vendors to keep their
areas clean and allow pedestrians room to walk, enforcement has been
difficult.
Soontorn
Kangsirikul, president of Pattaya Walking Street sub-committee.
Soontorn Kangsirikul, president of Pattaya Walking Street
sub-committee recently chaired the 3rd meeting of street vendors in order to
come up with a fair solution. A group of 40 vendors submitted a letter of
request to set up their booths on Walking Street. But shop owners on the
street have been complaining to City Hall that these vendors create a mess
on the street and do not clean up after themselves. The committee then
issued orders that the vendors had to comply with regulations or leave the
area.
The committee is now willing to compromise, insisting
that vendors must strictly follow a few strict rules set by the authorities
if they are allowed to return.
The vendors have been instructed that they must provide
their own black plastic bags for waste disposal and not leave any piles of
garbage in the streets. If they are cooking, their carts must have a chimney
to direct smoke upwards. This includes vendors cooking with woks as well as
barbequing.
Vendors must choose a spot and stay there and desist from
roaming around in the street. Finally, the committee said that food vendors
should place a rubber mat under their booths to protect the area from oil
and cooking grease.
As yet permission for food vendors to return has not been given. The
committee president wants time to discuss the issue further with business
owners in the area.
Hotels and entertainment complexes in Pattaya City complain about shortage of tap water during high season
Veerachai Somchart
Pattaya’s major businesses and hotels are suffering
from a critical shortage of tap water due to the increase of users during
the peak tourist season. Business operators complain they have had to spend
a lot of money to buy water from private companies to supplement their water
supply.
Sawang
Srisakul (middle), Chonburi governor sits as chairman the meeting, along
with Preecha Kamolbutr (far left), and Phisit Boonchuang (far right),
Chonburi vice governors.
In an attempt to identify the problem and find solutions,
a government and private sector problem-solving committee was set up to
discuss measures to address the issue.
Distinguished officials including Sawang Srisakul,
Chonburi governor, Veerawit Wiwatwanit, Preecha Kamolbutr, Phisit Boonchuang,
three vice governors of Chonburi, heads of various private and governmental
departments in Pattaya, Banglamung, Sriracha, and Sattahip districts
attended the meeting.
Sawang said authorities have recently received a barrage
of written complaints from private business operators and many hotels
situated on Pratamnak Hill, Jomtien Beach Road, North Pattaya and Pattaya
Second Road.
In response, the Chonburi governor selected a committee
to investigate the situation and report its findings to him immediately.
Sawang said a report on tap water supply service from an
official at the Pattaya tap water bureau showed that each day 12,000 cubic
meters are transferred from Huay Chark Nok reservoir and Sattahip tap water
bureau to supply Pratamnak Hill, Jomtien Beach, Thepprasit Road, Ban Amphur,
and Sattahip District areas. Sawang said this should be an adequate supply.
If there is a serious water shortage, an explanation is in order.
Sawang said he is now waiting for the committee to
investigate the matter. There is a possibility that some officials are
allowing illegal water usage. He also revealed that the Pattaya tap water
bureau set aside 40 million baht to improve water pressure through the
underground pipes and to repair main pipes in North, Central and South
Pattaya. The work is expected to be completed in about a month.
Governor Sawang said the authorities will not turn a
blind eye to this matter. He said he recently reported the problem to
Chaturon Chaisaeng, deputy prime minister in charge of eastern region land
development. It has been proposed that a new Khlong Luang reservoir be built
in the Panasnikhom area.
Currently Pattaya and other areas in Chonburi are
supplied with tap water from 6 reservoirs and this should be enough to
satisfy the needs of residents in Chonburi.
Governor Sawang concluded that Pattaya tap water bureau must improve on
effectiveness of water supply soon. The report on the shortage of tap water
in Chonburi was carried forward to the Ministry of Interior on January 27
for further budget allocation to improve the situation and prevent damage to
the local economy.
Larn Island residents
follow up on land rights
Paperwork to be issued by authorities
Songklod Kaewvisit
Banjong Parnsorn, chairman of Larn Island’s
sub-committee and members recently met with Niran Wattanasatsathorn, Pattaya
deputy mayor and representatives from the Chonburi Land Department,
Banglamung Land Bureau, and Tourism Authority of Thailand at Pattaya City
Hall to discuss land title deeds which proclaim ownership rights for
residents.
Officials from the Land Department admitted that they
would need more time to address the issue of ownership rights. If the
department issued the title deeds to Larn Island residents, they would have
to be completely prepared to issue deeds to other people in different
regions as well. Islands are regarded as national properties no matter where
they are in the kingdom and the public cannot own them, the officials said.
Currently, Larn Island needs infrastructure development,
especially at the beach areas because houses and buildings were built
without proper planning.
The deputy mayor said that Pattaya City Hall should try
to manage this issue with the locals on Larn Island in a diplomatic way
until a more effective solution can be created. But he reminded the
sub-committee that national properties such as beaches, hills, and forest
must remain unoccupied as stated by national law to protect the nation’s
natural resources.
‘Aerobics for health’ still a hit with locals and city officers
Dance their way to fitness at Pattaya School Number 8
Suchada Tupchai
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat recently led city
management and city council members in yet another aerobics program for the
Chaiyamongkol Temple community at Pattaya School Number 8 in South Pattaya.
The activity is becoming very popular and drew a large number of residents
to participate.
The Aerobics Group Exercise Activity is part of the
city’s focus on health education. City leaders view exercise as a way to
improve citizens’ quality of life and help reduce stress through daily
fitness activities such as the aerobics campaign.
The first aerobics program began at the Thamasmakee
Temple at School Number 6 last month. School Number 8 was the second venue.
Mayor Pairat said he is happy to see that residents have
a place where they can exercise close to home and that so many are
interested in looking after their health. He feels the end result can only
be better community relations and a feeling of unity among residents.
Following the opening speeches, Pattaya City management
and council members joined residents in an hour of aerobics exercise.
The program will continue for another 45 days from 5:30
p.m. till 6:30 p.m. daily in the school grounds at Pattaya School Number 8
in South Pattaya.
Eighteen nations show interest
in participating in or observing this
year’s Cobra Gold exercises
Veerachai Somchart
Lt. General Phitsanu Urailert, director of the
Directorate of Joint Civil Affairs announced that discussions were underway
as to which countries will be invited to participate in this year’s Cobra
Gold military exercises.
General Surayut Chulanont, supreme commander of the Thai
military, has approved extending an invitation to 5 countries, including
Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, to participate in the exercises as they
are important centers to the US in the Asia Pacific Region.
Major General Niphatr, director of the office of military
training said that the Cobra Gold exercises will begin in May this year and
will involve military personnel from Thailand, the United States, and a
contingent from Malaysia and the Philippines. An additional 18 countries are
interested in observing the exercises in 2003, including Pakistan, which has
shown interest in observing the Cobra Gold exercises to learn from the event
and to gain experience from the participating countries.
Cobra Gold is the largest military exercise in the Asian
region and leads to important technical and experiential exchanges within
military circles.
Cobra Gold 2003 will include anti-terrorist strategies
staged in Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Lopburi and Phitsanulok
provinces between Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and United States
military.
Cobra Gold is now in its 23rd year and has received
approval from the Thai Defense Ministry for the Thai Supreme Command to host
the annual Cobra Gold exercises for another five years. The recent attacks
in South East Asia were taken into consideration, and the exercises will
continue as planned in Thailand in order to prepare for further terrorist
activities that may occur in the future.
Each year vast experience is gained both on and off the
battlefields of the world through the continuing change of technology. As
Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations try to stay abreast of new
developments, particularly with the potential threats of chemical,
biological or nuclear conflicts, the intent is to maintain peace and
stability in the region.
While in Thailand, visiting military forces will also
conduct Community Relations Service Projects (Comrels) in which military
personnel interact with local communities through building projects, and by
teaching and sharing information which helps create good relationships with
the people of Thailand.
Further updates on this year’s Cobra Gold activities
will be released sometime in April.
Foreign tourist dies mysteriously in his apartment
Police send the man’s body to the forensic institute to determine cause of death
Boonlua Chatree
The body of 62-year-old English tourist, Dennis Reidy was
taken to the police forensic institute to examine the true cause of death
after questions arose as to how he died.
Earlier this week police were called to a hotel in Soi 9
after receiving a report from hotel staff that one of their guests had
passed away. Officers arrived at the hotel to find the body of Mr. Reidy on
the floor of his hotel room, with another English tourist, apparently
Reidy’s brother, grieving over the man’s body. The deceased’s
common-law wife, 34-year-old Phisamai Narmjumpee was also in the room.
Initial investigations showed that Dennis Reidy had
suffered a broken neck, and there was evidence that the man had just
finished having sex.
Police questioned the woman, who claimed to have been
living with Reidy for 5 years. She told police that two had just finished
their bedroom activities when he collapsed, hitting his head on the bed.
Phisamai went on to say that when Reidy failed to gain
consciousness she called establishment’s staff to call the hospital. Staff
then called the police.
Criminal investigation police think the man could have
suffered a heart attack after strenuous sexual activities, or that he may
have collapsed from exhaustion. However, officers were suspicious about his
broken neck, since there were no signs of head injuries from a fall to the
floor. Police will await the outcome of forensic tests before proceeding
with the investigation. Phisamai informed the embassy of her
‘husband’s’ death.
Police raid nets over 1000 items of pornographic material
Pattaya police officers raided a shop on Central Pattaya
Road last week after an investigation revealed that the shop was selling
pornographic magazines and CDs. In the sting operation officers used marked
bank notes to purchase the materials as evidence before arresting the
shop’s 47-year-old owner, Nopaporn Srimar with the goods and the marked
bank notes on the premises.
Pattaya’s
police chief, Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj and his officers “inspect”
the confiscated pornographic material before “booking” Nopaporn Srimar
for selling it.
Officers confiscated 86 magazines, 180 VCDs, and an
additional 860 pirate CDs before taking Nopaporn to the police station for
further questioning.
Nopaporn confessed to his infidelities, admitting that he
didn’t have the correct authorization to sell such copyrighted CDs and
VCDs but had been doing so for the last 6 months.
Nopaporn said he had purchased the items in the Klong Tom
markets in Bangkok for 20 baht per CD and 5 baht per magazine, making
inflated profits by selling them in Pattaya. He said that this was the first
time he had ever been arrested.
He was charged with illegal distribution of tapes, CDs
and pornographic literature.
Pattaya’s police chief, Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj said that
people selling such lewd material would be swept from the streets of Pattaya.
Man shot in the foot during an alcohol-induced argument at
an annual staff party
Boonlua Chatree
A company staff party got out of hand when two employees
got into a drunken argument and one man shot his co-worker in the foot.
When Pol. Lt. Col. Krit Siriprasertchoke and Pattaya
police officers went to Chart Thai Company, a waste and garbage management
enterprise located on Sukhumvit Road, they had little trouble finding the
victim, 21-year-old Suthas Noppadej, as he was on the ground screaming in
pain from the gunshot wound to his foot. Suthas then apparently passed out,
and was eventually transferred to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.
After Suthas regained consciousness, he told officers
that on that particular night, the company held a small staff party for all
the workers. While he was enjoying drinks with his friends, a co-worker,
38-year-old Somwang Toychaturas walked up to him and asked for a garage key
where they kept petrol. Suthas refused to hand over the key, saying he
didn’t have it. Somwang became furious, pulled out a 38 caliber pistol and
fired a shot into the ground. Full of booze, Somwang’s aim was a bit off
and the round “accidentally” hit the victim’s left foot.
Somwang fled the scene, leaving Suthas moaning in pain.
Police are searching for the drunken shooter, who at press time was still at
large.
Caretaker shoots and kills would-be thief
Later turns himself in
Boonlua Chatree
Somsak Sriprom, a 37-year-old caretaker on a 21-rai
property in Banglamung, shot and killed a thief who was in the process of
removing valuables from a speedboat last week.
Police officers arrived on the scene to find the body of
an unidentified Thai, aged between 20 to 25 years old lying dead on the
ground with a gunshot wound to his face. Seven meters away were two shells
from .22 caliber rifle, which were kept as evidence.
Somsak told officers that he had been a caretaker at the
property for over 10 years. He and wife were asleep in their room when they
heard a noise outside. He got out of bed to see the thief leaving with items
from the speedboat stored in the garage.
Somsak said he drew his weapon and ordered the man to
stop, but when the thief refused to stop, Somsak said he squeezed off two
shots. One hit its mark, felling the thief.
Somsak said he then called police to give himself up and
turn in the weapon. He was charged with manslaughter and taken to Pattaya
police station where he awaits trial.
The identity of the dead man was unknown and Sawang Boriboon personnel
transferred the body to the police forensic institute for further
examination.
Foreign tourist dies in motorcycle accident after hitting a mobile food cart near Nernplubwan market
Boonlua Chatree
Police from Banglamung precinct received a report of a
motorcycle accident in the area of the Nernplubwan markets in which the
rider had died from injuries sustained during a collision with three-wheel
food cart on the evening of January 20.
Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel arrived on the scene
to find the body of 23-year-old Englishman Paul Woodcock lying on the
street. Nearby, a friend was grieving the loss.
The bike was a twisted wreck and close by was the damaged
food cart. The 28-year-old owner of the cart, Rattanasak Sirikarngate
sustained some injuries and was transported to the hospital by a local
resident before police arrived.
Witnesses at the scene told police that just prior to the
accident they saw the motorcycle traveling at a high speed with no lights
on. Upon reaching the crowded market area it crashed into the food cart. The
young Brit died shortly after from serious head injuries sustained in the
collision.
Police then mapped out the accident before taking the
motorcycle to the Banglamung police station and the body of Paul Woodcock to
Banglamung Hospital.
Five teenage boys arrested for gang raping 14-year-old girl
Boonlua Chatree
Last week police received a report that a 14-year-old
girl, who allegedly spent the evening at karaoke bar on Pattaya Third Road
with a group of teenage boys, was later lured back to an apartment where she
was raped until dawn.
The girl told officers that she knew one of the older
boys by his nickname, a 17-year-old boy named Lai. She went on to say that
Lai had picked her up the previous afternoon to go for a ride on his
motorcycle. She described how later Lai took her to a Third Road karaoke
club where 9 or 10 of his friends were drinking heavily and stayed for quite
some time. At 2:00 a.m. she told Lai that she wanted to go home. Lai
didn’t want her to leave and instead took to his apartment off Thepprasit
Road.
When they reached his apartment, her supposed friend Lai
and four others - two of them identified only by their nicknames Tom and
‘A’ - repeatedly raped her until daybreak at which time she managed to
escape and inform the police.
After the report was made female police officers then
took the victim to the Banglamung Hospital to seek treatment for her
physical injuries and take samples for evidence.
Criminal investigation police then headed to the address
where the crime occurred and arrested Sum, aged 17, and Sant, aged, 16, both
students in Pattaya.
Both denied the allegations of rape saying they were only
involved in the process of drinking at the karaoke bar; however, both were
remanded into custody.
Criminal investigation police, armed with a court order,
were later able to track down and arrest the remaining 3 teenage suspects at
their respective residences, Eakpob Chuangmuanpak, aged 18, Amorthep
Wanwongka, aged 18 and Jaturong Warana age 20. The three are students at a
local technical school.
All three denied the charges saying that they were not
part of the crime and were not even at the scene. They instead pointed the
finger at two other young men called ‘A’ and Od. Their story, however,
was not strong enough to convince police, since the victim identified the
three men three times in a line up.
The five teenagers were charged with deprivation of
liberty and rape of a minor under the age of 15.
Shortly after the lineup, the victim’s mother told
police that relatives of the suspects went up to her in front of the police
station and pushed her and threatened her life. Afraid, she reported the
incident to Pol. Capt. Siriprapa Suparatanachote, who is in charge of women
and children’s cases. The police captain took note of the incident and
told the mother to inform criminal investigation officers as further
evidence in the case.
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