Bali bomb mastermind gets death penalty

AN Indonesian court yesterday sentenced to death the man who commanded the Bali nightclub bombings, wrapping up the trials of the four main accused ahead of the first anniversary of the atrocity.

Islamic militant Mukhlas, who now joins a younger brother on death row, shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) as the verdict was announced. He said he would appeal.

“We hereby declare the defendant has been proven legally and convincingly guilty of collectively plotting crimes of terrorism and possession of firearms without permission. We impose the death sentence,” said presiding judge Tjokorda Rai Suamba.

Mukhlas, alias Ali Gufron, was the fourth key suspect to be convicted for the October 12 attacks and the third to be sentenced to death by firing squad. He was accused of overall responsibility for the blasts, which killed 202 people, mainly foreign tourists partying in nightclubs.

Jakarta also wants to put an Indonesian preacher called Hambali on trial over Bali, blaming the alleged operational brains of the southeast Asian militant group Jemaah Islamiah for funding the bombing operation. Hambali has been in US custody since his arrest in Thailand in August.

Mukhlas remained defiant throughout his trial and refused to cooperate with investigators, angering survivors and the victims’ families.

Dressed in a white skullcap, grey Muslim shirt, and dark trousers, Mukhlas smiled at reporters as police with automatic rifles escorted him from an armoured vehicle into court at the start of the session.

There were few spectators on hand, but Jan Laczynski, an Australian who has attended other sessions, said in Indonesian as the suspect passed: “Death for you today, Mukhlas.”

Australia lost 88 citizens in the attacks.

The Denpasar district court sent the first two key suspects, Amrozi, Mukhlas’s younger brother, and another Indonesian, Imam Samudra, to death row.

A third brother, Ali Imron, received a life sentence after he cooperated with authorities, showed remorse and urged family and followers not to imitate him.

Speaking after the verdict, Laczynski said the trial of those responsible for the worst act of terror since the attacks on American cities in 2001 brought some sense of closure.

“In many ways, this is the most important fortnight for Australia because we will get a sense of closure. The four key players are out of the way now and we look forward to the (memorial) ceremonies on October 12,” he said.