http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2006/06/14/afx2813629.html
a disgrace! I hope the western world finally comes to realize that the current Indonesian government is NOT one to make deals with, but rather one to place in a top spot of the 'bad guys' list.
AFX News Limited
Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir released from prison - UPDATE
06.14.2006, 04:32 AM
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JAKARTA (XFN-ASIA) - (Updating to add Australian PM reaction, Indonesian FM quote)
JAKARTA (XFN-ASIA) - Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, alleged leader of radical Islamic group Jemaah Islamiyah, was freed today after serving nearly 26 months in prison for his role in the 2002 Bali bombings.
'I will continue to fight to uphold the Islamic sharia,' he said, after walking free 45 minutes ahead of schedule.
He was whisked to a waiting car to be taken back to his home town of Solo in West Java, some 600 kilometers southeast of Jakarta, where he was to undergo a health check and return to the boarding school he founded there.
Bashir was originally sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for his role in
the Bali bombings, which killed 202 people. He was cleared of terrorism allegations.
His sentence -- already criticized by the United States and Australia for being too lenient -- was cut in August 2005 as part of regular remissions handed out to prisoners.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Australians will be distressed by Bashir's release, even though it is legitimate under Indonesia's justice system.
Speaking in parliament, Howard said he wants Indonesian politicians to 'understand from me on behalf of the government how extremely disappointed, even distressed, millions of Australians will be at the release of Abu Bakar Bashir.'
Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said neither Australia nor any other country has lodged formal protests.
'I haven't received any objection,' Wirayuda told reporters, according to the Detikcom online news agency.
a disgrace! I hope the western world finally comes to realize that the current Indonesian government is NOT one to make deals with, but rather one to place in a top spot of the 'bad guys' list.