Third bomber tried for Xmas bombings

BANDUNG: Prosecutors here on Thursday demanded a life sentence for Iqbal, 40, a suspect in the Christmas Eve bombings.

Prosecutors said the defendant, also known as Aceng Didin, was guilty of violating Emergency Law No. 12/1951 and Article 51 of the Criminal Code for illegally using explosives.

Prosecutors maintained that based on witnesses' testimony and other evidence it was clear that Iqbal had planned the bombing of several churches in Bandung on Christmas Eve.

The bombs however exploded at their place of storage, killing four people, before they could be placed at the targeted churches.

Two other suspects in the case have already been convicted to nine years in jail.

The court is due to convene again on Thursday to hear the defense.(25)