Umar Thalib's trial adjourned

Umar Thalib's trial adjourned

JAKARTA: The trial of the commander of the now-defunct Laskar Jihad, Jafaar Umar Thalib, has been adjourned for four weeks to give prosecutors time to finalize their closing arguments and sentencing submissions.

Umar Thalib is accused of inciting violence in the Maluku islands, where his men supported Muslims in battles against Christians.

Nasrun Kalianda, a lawyer for Thalib, said judges at the East Jakarta District Court agreed with a request to postpone the trial until Dec. 19.

"The delay was sought by the prosecutors because they had not yet been able to finalize their submissions," Kalianda said.

Judges are not bound by the prosecutors' sentencing submissions if they find Thalib guilty.

In 2000, Laskar Jihad sent thousands of volunteers to the Malukus to help Muslims fight Christians. More than 5,000 people were killed in battles between the two communities, which started in January 1999. --AFP