Justice, Indonesian Style
Charles Johnson
Sat Aug 13, 2005 at 7:54 am PDT • Views: 197
Abu Bakar Bashir, the Indonesian Islamic cleric who masterminded the Bali nightclub bombings, is on the fast track to be released from prison: ‘Early release’ for Bali plotter. (Hat tip: LGF readers.)
Bali bomb plotter Abu Bakar Ba’asyir could have his jail term cut under a general amnesty due to be announced next week, Indonesian media report.
Ba’asyir, who is said to lead the Jemaah Islamiyah militant group, was sentenced to 30 months in March for conspiracy over the 2002 attacks.
He may now have his sentence cut along with 53,000 other inmates to mark 60 years of Indonesian independence.
Relatives of some of the 202 people killed in Bali have voiced dismay.
The shortening of sentences for good behaviour may also apply to another 18 of the 24 Bali bombers but not to those sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
A final appeal by Ba’asyir against his sentence had been rejected only last week.
A lawyer for Ba’asyir and other bombers defended their right to leave prison early.
“This happens all over the world if you have been a good boy and don’t cause trouble,” said Wirawan Adnan.
Frank says: