Bali bombing accomplices jailed for 15 years

An Indonesian court has sentenced two men to 15 years in prison for helping finance last year's terrorist bombings on the tourist island of Bali by robbing a jewellery store.

The pair admitted to taking part in the robbery in August 2002 on Java island but maintained they did not know the proceeds would be used for funding the Bali nightclub attacks that killed 202 people. They were not charged with direct involvement in the October 12 attack.

Key bombing suspect Iman Samudra also allegedly took part in the robbery.

"We rule the defendants are clearly guilty of … providing money for a terrorist act," judge Ida Bagus Jagra said.

The men, Andi Hidayat and Junaedi, were each sentenced to 15 years in prison - the maximum punishment under Indonesian law.

They are among more than 30 suspects arrested over the Bali attack.

The first of these to face trial, Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, was convicted last month and sentenced to be executed by firing squad. He is appealing his conviction. Samudra is due to be sentenced on Wednesday.

The three men stole 2.5 kilos of gold from the shop, and the proceeds from the sale were used to fund the attack, judge Jagra said.

More money allegedly was provided by Malaysian Wan Min Wan Mat, who is accused of channeling around €27,000 to the perpetrators. He is currently in custody in Malaysia. That money may have originated from al-Qaida, investigators said.

Lawyers for Hidayat and Junaedi said they were considering whether to appeal.