Bomb victim lives in agony

Bomb victim lives in agony

JAKARTA: A victim of the Santa Anna Catholic Church bombing testified at the East Jakarta District Court on Tuesday, saying that she underwent numerous operations during a 40-day stay in hospital in the wake of the attack.

Nila Perwitasari, 55, testifying against Malaysian Nor Misuari, alias Nurdin, recalled that she saw thick smoke rising after the blast and that she was carried outside by some men.

"It was so quick, but I was hospitalized for 40 days and underwent repeated surgery on both legs and both ears," she said as quoted by AFP.

She also said her 16-year-old daughter Jessica lost her right leg in the blast. Jessica was sitting next to the bomb when it blew up on July 22, 2001.

Nila, who had arrived early to the 07:00 a.m. Mass, said a stranger sat at the end of her pew beside her daughter. He carried a white plastic bag, which he fiddled with constantly.

She said she was suspicious of the man, since he sat down without first crossing himself.

The blast killed one person and injured 60 people.

The defendant was charged with illegal possession and use of explosives. If convicted, Nurdin could be sentenced to death.

The trial was adjourned until Dec. 11. -- JP