1,100 policemen to guard Bali bombing trials

Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Budi Setyawan disclosed on Monday that 1,100 officers would be deployed to secure the Denpasar District Court and its surrounding areas during the upcoming trial of the Bali bombing suspects.

The police have named Amrozi and Imam Samudra as the main suspects in the bombing. In addition, the police have also arrested their accomplices.

"We predict that the trials will be covered by a large number of domestic and international journalists, not to mention the Balinese people, who, I believe, will flock to the courtrooms. My officers will secure all the events throughout the trials," Budi said in Denpasar.

Bali Police will also provide security protection for the prosecutors and judges involved in the bombing cases.

"It is our duty and responsibility to protect our colleagues, the prosecutors and judges," Budi said. However, he did not elaborate on this matter.

Previously, Budi Setyawan also stated that Bali Police were ready to receive the arrival of suspected Bali bombing mastermind Imam Samudra and his accomplices. Five cells at Bali Police Headquarters had been prepared to house the suspects.

"The cells are now clean and secure. We have also set aside three more cells at our detainment center, and several at the Denpasar city police headquarters in case the number of incoming suspects is more than five," he said.

Bali Police have also assigned 70 officers to secure the suspects. Each suspect will be guarded by ten officers, who will work three different shifts. -- JP