Indonesian prosecutors seek life sentence for Abu Bakar Ba'asyir

May 9, 2011, 8:11 GMT

Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir waves and smiles after his trial at the South Jakarta\'s court, Indonesia 09 May 2011. Prosecutors on Monday recommended that the South Jakarta District Court sentence controversial cleric Abu Bakar Bashir to lifetime in prison for his alleged role in the paramilitary training camp in Aceh. EPA/ADI WEDA

Jakarta - Indonesian prosecutors on Monday sought a life sentence for militant cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir for his alleged role in funding a terrorist cell in the country.

Ba'asyir, 72, was arrested in August after a series of police raids on alleged members of a new militant group said to be setting up base in Aceh on Sumatra island.

Prosecutors told the South Jakarta District Court that Ba'asyir was guilty of violating anti-terrorism laws that were enacted weeks after the bombings of two nightspots on Bali in October 2002.

Ba'asyir, 72, known for his anti-US rhetoric, is charged with seven counts of terrorism, including planning or inciting a terrorist act as well as providing firearms, munitions and explosives for terrorism purposes.

'The defendant incited others to commit acts that are against the laws, planning and raising funds used for terrorist activities,' chief prosecutor Andi M Taufik said.

Security was tight at court with more than 2,000 police officers deployed, where Ba'asyir's supporters frequently shouted 'God is Great.'

Wearing white robes and white Muslim skull cap, Ba'asyir said before entering the courtroom that he was not bothered if the prosecutors sought the death penalty.

'I don't care. All of this is made up,' he told reporters.

Police said Ba'asyir, the alleged spiritual leader of terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, was the main organizer of the group, Tandzim al-Qaeda Indonesia, and helped raise funds for its activities.

The current trial is the third for the white-bearded cleric since the 2001 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people.

He was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2005 for involvement in the Bali blasts. The Supreme Court later overturned the conviction, ruling that he did not play any role in the bombings.

The cleric has denied any involvement in terrorism, saying he is being persecuted because he campaigns for the observance of strict Islamic law in Indonesia.

In another case brought against him in 2004, a court ruled there was not enough evidence to prove Ba'asyir was involved in the bombings, but it sentenced him to 18 months for immigration offences.

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