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