Indonesian cleric on trial for terrorism

Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies) - An Indonesian Muslim cleric goes on trial today charged with leading a militant network seen as the regional arm of al-Qaeda in a case that will test the new president's pledge to fight terrorism. Prosecutors have charged Abu Bakar Bashir, 66, in relation to a suicide bomb attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta last year that killed 12 people, along with blasts at Bali nightclubs in October 2002 that killed 202. He proclaimed his innocence and berated US President George W Bush. "It is clear that I feel I am innocent, I am certain of that," he said. "All who do not agree with the interest of George Bush are terrorists," he added.

Bashir is accused of being the spiritual leader of militant Islamic network Jemaah Islamiah (JI). He was found guilty of subversion last year, but the verdict was overturned on appeal, leaving him to serve an 18-month term for immigration offences. JI is said to be linked to al-Qaeda and is widely believed to have been behind a string of attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali bombings, the 2003 Marriott Hotel attack and the suicide car bombing outside the Australian embassy in September this year. The judge in his previous trial last year ruled that, at that time, there was insufficient evidence to prove any such connection. But the police say they now have new documents and new witnesses to make their case. Bashir denies any connection with JI or with violence, saying the accusations against him are the result of American pressure. Under terrorism laws that apply to the Marriott attack, he may face a maximum penalty of death. Under the criminal code, which covers Bali, the maximum is life in jail.

• Indonesia
• islam
• fundamentalism
• muslims
• terrorism
• attacks
• trials