‘Smiling terrorist’ on trial for Bali bombings

THE man dubbed the “smiling terrorist” went on trial yesterday for the bombings of two Bali nightclubs packed with tourists — an attack prosecutors said was aimed at punishing Washington and its allies for their perceived oppression of the world’s Muslims.

Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, a 40-year-old mechanic, is the first of 33 suspects accused in the October 20 2002 bombings on the resort island. It was the world's bloodiest terror attack since September 11, killing at least 202 people. If convicted, the suspects could be executed under tough new anti-terrror laws. Prosecutors say

Amrozi bought bomb-making materials and a minivan used in the attack, making the purchases and helping coordinate the car bombing while on his home island of Java.