ABC AUSTRALIA, 16/10/2004 10:22:45
Indonesian cleric charged over Bali bombings
In Jakarta, prosecutors say the radical Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir will go on
trial for killing nearly 200 people in the Bali bombings, after the indictment against him
was filed in a Jakarta court yesterday.
Indonesia correspondent Tim Palmer reports it will be the first time the leader of the
extremist Jemaah Islamiah organization has faced charges in connection with the Bali
attacks.
The surprise in the indictment filed in South Jakarta Court lay in a series of secondary
charges accusing Abu Bakar Bashir of causing fires and explosions at the Sari and
Paddy's clubs resulting in deaths and injuries.
Bashir, who's previously been tried for sedition and immigration offences has never
previously been linked in court to the Bali attacks.
Bashir could also face the death penalty under the primary charge of inciting or
ordering acts of terrorism, which centres around his ties to a J.I. training camp in the
Philippines and the subsequent bombing attack on Jakarta's Marriott Hotel last year.
A trial could now begin within weeks.
16/10/2004 10:22:45 | ABC Radio Australia News
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