Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir has been cleared of involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings, by an Indonesian court. Despite his 3 years in jail, he is now officially innocent, a move which has angered Australians. Here’s more from the Jakarta Post.
Victims angry after Indonesian cleric cleared of Bali bombings
SYDNEY, Australia (AP): Victims and relatives of those killed in the 2002 Bali bombings expressed outrage and despair Friday that the terror conviction of Indonesian Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir was overturned, and Australia’s top police officer warned it could inspire more attacks.
“The whole world knows he is responsible, the government know she is responsible, he’s going to kill more people without even thinking,” Spike Stewart, whose son Anthony was among the 202people killed in the Oct. 12 suicide attacks on nightclubs on the resort island, told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio.
Ba’asyir, 69, is the alleged spiritual leader of the Southeast Asian extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah that is blamed for a string of deadly attacks since 2000. He was convicted of conspiracy in the Bali bombings, and served 2 1/2 years in prison before being freed in June after the government shortened his sentence.
An Indonesian Supreme Court on Thursday quashed the conspiracy conviction on appeal.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard said he was upset by the decision, and Australian Federal Police chief Mick Keelty, whose force helped investigate the bombings, said he had “no doubt whatsoever” Ba’asyir was involved in training the culprits and approving the bombings
“From the intelligence perspective, as opposed to an evidentiary perspective, he clearly was a key figure,” Keeltysaid. “He clearly was consulted by the bombers before they carried out their acts.”
But he conceded the case against Ba’asyir was largely circumstantial, and said Indonesian authorities had done their best to prosecute the cleric. Eighty-eight Australians died in the 2002 Bali bombings.
Keelty warned that Christians had been targeted by Islamic extremists in Indonesia in recent years, and could be again.
Haven’t heard anyone in Bali mention the case.
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For any other music cafe enthusiasts out there, why not come on down to Warung Musik in Jl. Kartika Plaza. The staff there are great. The home band “Klinik Band” are great musicians with Ketut on lead guitar, Epi on Bass and Dading on the Drums. The main lead singer is Lia who has a powerful voice and great stage presence, perfectly suited for all those classic rock hits from artists such as Bon Jovi, ACDC, Janis Joplin, Guns & Roses etc.. With a variety of different singers you will also be entertained with all the latest hits from disco to dangdut. You wont be disappointed.They are open every evening from Tuesday to Sunday. New Years Eve will be a big event so join us.
I think it’s a bit stupid letting him free. It’s pretty dodgey stuff, considering the timing near to New Years. Did you hear about the SMS going around stating the a car has arrived in Bali with explosives? Anyone care to fill me in about that, is it true? Or if you think its true.
Hi Nick. I was just informed by a friend the other day about seeing your comments on the net regarding Warung Musik.It was poeted back in August 2003. He told me there was some stuff about me on it. I have just read it and it is very flattering. I would definitely remember you if I saw you. I recall on some occasions chatting to guests and they commented on how much they appreciated my performance.thank you for your nice comments. Warung Musik has now moved to Jalan Kartika Plaza in front of the Ramada Bintang Hotel. All of the same gang are still there including me(Peter)so if you are ever around Bali again please pop in for Bintang and a session of good ol’ rock n’ roll