ABC AUSTRALIA, 30/01/2003 21:43:58
INDONESIA: Laskar Jihad head found not guilty of inciting
violence
30/01/2003 21:43:58 | Asia Pacific Programs
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An Indonesian court has acquitted the former head of a powerful Islamic militia over
charges he incited violence during bloody Muslim-Christian fighting in the Maluku
islands. Jaafar Umar Thalib has also been found NOT guilty of inciting hatred against
the government and defaming President Megawati Sukarnoputri. Thalib, head of the
notorious Laskar Jihad militia, is the first radical Islamic leader to face an Indonesian
court since President Sukarnputri took power 18 months ago. But now questions are
being raised as to just how serious Jakarta is in tackling Islamic militancy.
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30/01/2003 21:43:58 | ABC Radio Australia News
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