Bombing suspect goes on trial

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Agung Abdul Hamid, a principal suspect in a bomb attack on a McDonald's outlet and car showroom three years ago, went on trial on Monday in Makassar. However, the first trial session was adjourned until next week as the defendant insisted that he was unprepared for the trial.

The defendant, who showed up in court without a defense lawyer, demanded a postponement because he had not been informed that he had to attend court. The judges granted the postponement, meaning the prosecutor will read the indictment next week.

Agung was charged for his alleged role in terror attacks and possession of explosives, carrying a maximum sentence of death.

The bomb attack in Makassar three years ago left three people dead and injured 11 others. Agung was on the run for 22 months before he was captured in October last year. He was the 22nd person to be prosecuted over the case. Twenty others received jail sentences of between 2 and 20 years, while another was set free. -- JP