Prosecutors defend Ba'asyir charges

Prosecutors defend Ba'asyir charges

JAKARTA: Prosecutors disputed on Thursday a claim by Muslim
cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir that he was illegally being tried twice
on the same charges.

"The first case against (Ba'asyir) involved his alleged
efforts to establish an Islamic state here, while now he is on
trial for terrorism," chief prosecutor Salman Maryadi told the
court.

Ba'asyir is charged with playing a role in the 2002 Bali
bombings and the 2003 Jakarta Marriott Hotel attack.

Before adjourning the trial until Nov. 25, presiding judge
Sudarto refused the cleric's request to be allowed to celebrate
Idul Fitri at home with his family. Ba'asyir has been detained
since 2002.

During the session, police arrested a man identified as Abu
Bakar Floresi for bringing a knife and a screwdriver into the
courtroom. -- JP