The Star [Malaysia], Monday, January 13, 2003
German detained in Indonesia over visa offences denies terror
links
By IRWAN FIRDAUS
Associated Press Writer
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP): A German citizen on trial in Jakarta over visa violations
denied on Monday allegations by Indonesian intelligence officers that he is linked to
al-Qaida, saying the charges were the result of "hysteria'' toward Islam.
Seyam Reda, 43, made the comments before appearing in court in his trial for
violating his tourist visa status by working as a television cameraman in several
conflict zones in Indonesia. His trial began Jan. 2.
"I came here purely for work,'' Reda told The Associated Press from a holding cell at
the South Jakarta District Court. He said the accusations were fabricated by
intelligence agents who have "become full of hysteria'' over al-Qaida because of many
lies made against Islam.
A senior intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, recently told The AP
that Reda was suspected of being a senior al-Qaida figure in Southeast Asia who may
have helped finance the Oct. 12 Bali blasts, which killed 192 people.
Indonesian police, however, no longer consider Reda a terrorist suspect. They say
have investigated him, but found no evidence that suggested he was involved with
al-Qaida or the Bali blasts.
Reda was arrested last Sept. 15 on suspicion of involvement in international terrorism.
Officers said they found videotapes of military-style training at his luxury house in
south Jakarta.
Police have said Reda traveled widely in Indonesia, including to the eastern Maluku
and Sulawesi islands, where thousands have been killed in Muslim-Christian violence.
Reda has admitted to the court that he violated his visa status.
Later Monday, prosecutors were scheduled to present their sentencing demands to
the court.
Reda faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Copyright © 1995-2003 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
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