Western Resistance: Indonesia: Jailed Imam Claims Bali Bombs Were "Allah's Warning"

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October 5, 2005

Indonesia: Jailed Imam Claims Bali Bombs Were "Allah's Warning"

The imprisoned spiritual leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist organisation, Abu Bakar Bashir, has said that the victims of Saturday's Bali bomb blasts whould "accept this fate from Allah". Bashis is also the spiritual leader of Majelis Mujahadin Indonesia (Indonesia Council of Holy Warriors), who frequently attend trials of Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists, and also desire to establish a southeast Asian Islamist state.

Abu Bakar Bashir is serving a mere 30 months in an Indonesian jail for his part in conspiring to cause the first Bali bomb outrages from 2002, in which 202 people were killed and hundreds injured. According to today's Telegraph,

"I really disapprove of bombings in non-conflict areas for whatever reason, including in Bali, because it can be almost certain that innocent and unknowing victims would fall," Bashir said in a statement released by his lawyer.

He added that he was particularly saddened if the victims included "people whose religion is Islam".

"I suggest the government bring themselves closer to Allah by implementing His rules and laws because these happenings are warnings from Allah for all of us," he added.

No-one has been arrested yet, but 39 witnesses have been interviewed so far. A fuller account of the activities and goals of Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Bakar Bashir can be found in our Jemaah Islamiyah: Special Report.

Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at October 5, 2005 8:17 AM