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Abu Bakar Baasyir spiritual
leader of Jemaah Islamiah released
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Australia and US
“disappointed” but accept Indonesian decision
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Baasyir resumed work in school
that spawned most terrorists
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Indonesia set free radical imprisoned Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Baasyir
convicted for his role in "a sinister conspiracy to cause a fire or explosion
resulting in deaths" after he completed his prison term that was reduced to
about 26 months from 30. Baasyir is generally accepted as the spiritual mentor
of Jemaah Islamiah, which is regarded by several Southeast Asian Governments as
the regional affiliate of Al-Qaeda.
Soon after his release, which "disappointed" Australia and the United States
in particular, Baasyir pledged to continue strengthening the Islamic fraternity
and uphold Shariah laws. Tried but not convicted of sponsoring or committing
any terrorist act, he was sentenced for his indirect role in the Bali bombings
of 2002, which killed over 200 persons including scores of Australian nationals
who were holidaying in the island resort.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his release was "extremely
disappointing, even distressing" to the Australians. However, both Howard a US
spokesman while emphasizing that Baasyir’s sentence was "light,” conceded
Indonesia's right to act as it deemed fit under its laws.
Wearing his trademark white skullcap and checked shawl was cheered by about
150 cheering supporters outside the prison prompting him to say “Let us
strengthen Islamic brotherhood. We strengthen our unity for one aim — that is
Islamic Sharia (law).”
Baasyir resumed work at the boarding school in central Java province notorious
for spawning many of Indonesia's most deadly terrorists. He rejected US
accusation of his terror activities and told reporters that “The United States
is a state terrorist because it is waging war against Muslims in Iraq and
Afghanistan.”
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