Indonesia: trial begins for Bali nightclub bombing suspect
The first trial of alleged Indonesia bomber Umar Patek began Feb. 13 in the West Jakarta District Court over his role in several terrorist plots including the Jakarta church bombings in 2000 and the 2002 Bali nightclub bombing. Patek was arrested in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011, just a few weeks before US special forces killed Osama bin Laden in the same town. If convicted Patek could face life imprisonment or a death sentence. Patek is not facing "terrorism" charges under Indonesia law, since the terrorism law came into effect in 2003 after both bombings and cannot be applied retrospectively. Patek is believed to be a member of the alleged al-Qaeda-linked organization Jemaah Islamiyah, which claimed responsibility for the Bali nightclub bombings. His trial is expected to last months.
From Jurist, Feb. 13. Used with permission.
Bali bomber Umar Patek to be released
A man convicted in the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people is set to be released after serving just half of his sentence. Hisyam bin Ali Zein AKA Umar Patek was arrested in 2012 and has only served 10 years of his 20-year sentence for his role in the attacks. Dubbed "Demolition Man" because of his expertise with explosives, Patek is now due to walk free from Porong prison days after being granted a remission as part of Indonesia's 77th Independence Day. (Sky News)