Bali bomber says he was tortured

Amrozi Nurhasyim, also known as the ‘smiling bomber’ claimed he had been tortured into given statement. Amrozi, who is in jail in Cilacap, in southern Central Java, originally told prosecutors Muslim cleric, Abu Bakar Baashir, was involved in the terror attack.

Abu Bakar Baashir is also in jail and will be released in June. His 2 1/2 year sentence for conspiring in the blasts, angered many people who lost relatives. Abu Bakar Baashir is the spiritual leader of JI (Jemaah Islamiyah), the group responsible for both sets of Bali blasts.

Amrozi, who shows no sign of remorse, smiled and laughed as judges questioned him. Amrozi is the product of a low education system, poverty and brain washing by extremists. He doesn’t have the ability, means, or world view to gather facts and question things for himself. Very easy for extremists to manipulate people, who aren’t equipped with an education.

Amrozi admits he met Baashir before the Bali bombings, but says terrorism was not discussed.