Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - “We will see from the outcome of the trial of extremist leader Abu Bakar how Indonesia’s new democracy intends to deal with the presence of Muslim fundamentalist groups. This is an important test for the new government and the new system of democracy”, a local Catholic source told Fides with regard to the trial of the radical leader.
Bashir is charged with being the leader of a network of militants of Jemaah Islamiah, said to be connected with Al Qaeda and suspected of planning and carrying out terrorist attacks in Bali (2002, more than 200 dead) and the Marriot Hotel in Jakarta (2003, 12 dead). If found guilty, Bashir risks the death penalty.
International observers say the trial is a test for the newly elected President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s promise to fight Islamic extremism. If the punishment inflicted on Bashir who has many supporters, is too harsh it could trigger tension and acts of violence. Over the past few days thousands of Bashir’s supporters chanting cries of ‘Allah is great’, challenged riot police forces in front of the law courts in Jakarta.
Bashir is charged with planning terrorist acts involving other people using with determination violence or the threat of violence to cause terror and a high number of dead”.
Bashir’s supporters say he is the victim of an American plot. Two Islamic Parties which support the new president Yudhoyono have expressed solidarity with Bashir.
“The government will have to find a balance between fighting Islamic fundamentalism without triggering social unrest. Bashir’s trial and its outcome will have an important impact on the country”, the source told Fides.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2004 Righe:28 Parole: 298)