Indonesian cleric who inspired extremists freed from prison

Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir sits inside a van as he leaves upon his release from Gunung Sindur Prison in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia (Aditya Irawan)

A convicted firebrand cleric who inspired the Bali bombers and other violent extremists has walked free from an Indonesian prison after completing his sentence for funding the training of Islamic militants.

Police said they would continue to monitor the activities of Abu Bakar Bashir, who is now 82 and ailing, and his son said Mr Bashir for now would be avoiding activities outside his family due to the coronavirus pandemic.