ABC AUSTRALIA, 22/02/2005, 23:00:39
Indonesian prosecutors wrap up case against terror suspect
Bashir
Indonesian prosecutors have wrapped up their case against Abu Bakar Bashir,
accusing the Muslim cleric of being guilty of terrorist charges through his alleged
leadership of an al Qaeda-linked group.
Presenting their closing arguments, the prosecution has accused Bashir of failing to
prevent Jemaah Islamiyah militants, allegedly under his leadership, from carrying out
terror attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings.
Chief prosecutor Salman Maryadi has insisted Bashir, as the alleged leader of
Jemaah Islamiyah, knew of his subordinates' activities, including bomb-making
classes at a militant training camp in the southern Philippines.
"Even though the defendant did not take part in the bombings, the defendant knew
that military training at the Hudaibiyah camp provided lessons in bomb-making ... that
the defendant as Jemaah Islamiyah emir (leader) was aware of the consequences
resulting from the training," he said.
"But the defendant did not forbid Jemaah Islamiyah members to carry out bombings."
He then reiterated the prosecution's demand that Bashir be sentenced to eight years
in jail.
Bashir is on trial for his alleged link to a series of deadly bombings in recent years
blamed on Jemaah Islamiyah, including the 2002 Bali nightclub attacks in which 202
people were killed.
The 66-year-old cleric's defence team will have an opportunity to counter the
allegations when the trial resumes Friday.
A verdict is expected as early as next week.
Prosecutors dropped a primary charge that Bashir and his supporters actually
planned the attacks or that Bashir incited his followers to engage in terrorism, saying
they had insufficient evidence.
However they say evidence shows he is guilty of involvement in acts of terrorism.
Bashir, who was cleared in 2003 of leading Jemaah Islamiyah, was released from jail
in April last year after serving a sentence for an immigration offence.
He was immediately rearrested by police, who said they had new evidence of terror
links and of his leadership of Jemaah Islamiyah.
©2005 ABC
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