BALI: A young Muslim militant went on trial for his life yesterday, accused of masterminding the deadly Bali bomb attacks that prosecutors say were part of a plan to wage war on the United States.
Mr Imam Samudra (33) was charged with plotting, organising and carrying out crimes of terror and causing mass casualties in the bombings last October 12th. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of death. Wearing a white Muslim cap and shirt, Mr Samudra greeted the panel of judges in Arabic and then abruptly shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) at his lawyers and waved at them.
Prosecutor Mr I. Nyoman Dila said Mr Samudra, a computer expert, chaired several meetings leading up to the nightclub attacks which killed more than 200 people, mostly young, foreign revellers.
The trial was adjourned until Thursday.