INDONESIA: An Indonesian mechanic went on trial over the Bali bombings yesterday, in the first of a string of cases that will test the resolve of the world's most populous Muslim nation to tackle the roots of terror there.
Amrozi is charged with helping to plot terror acts and accused of buying explosive materials and a minivan that became a massive bomb.
If convicted, he and others accused of carrying out last year's nightclub attacks, killing 202 foreign nationals and Indonesians, face the death penalty.
The October 12th blasts, which many officials have blamed on the militant Islamic group Jemaah Islamiah, shattered Bali's image as a safe playground for tourists drawn to its famed beaches and rich Hindu culture.
The prosecution said those behind the bloodiest act of terror since the September 11th, 2001, attacks on US cities were driven by a desire for revenge against Washington and its allies. Many of the dead were Australian.
In the makeshift courthouse, victims' relatives struggled to hold back tears. Two left early, sobbing.
The widows of seven Indonesians shared their pain at a news conference after the court adjourned the case for a week for the prosecution to study defence objections to.
"Although the pain of losing a husband cannot be wiped out by any kind of verdict, I want the court to punish all of them," said Ms Ni Luh Erniati (32). Her husband was a waiter at the Sari Club, which bore the brunt of the blasts.
Amrozi (40) was stony-faced as he took the defendant's chair during the hearing.
Prosecutors say he took part in six planning meetings for the blasts that tore through Bali's famous Kuta Beach strip.
"They talked about the Muslim obligation towards other Muslims who have been repressed and slaughtered by the US and its allies," the prosecutor said. Police acknowledge others played more important roles. - (Reuters)