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| Southeast Asia |
| Indonesia launches anti-terror drive |
| 2002-10-18 |
| President Megawati Sukarnoputri has signed two emergency decrees to give the Indonesian authorities sweeping new powers to combat terrorism. The country's cabinet met for several hours to discuss the two decrees before they were signed. The Justice Minister, Yusril Mahendra, said one decree ensured the measures could be applied retroactively to cover the Bali attack. The other sets out the new powers, which are believed to include authority for the security forces to detain people on suspicion of terrorist links. A special anti-terrorism unit is to be set up which would include officials from the security forces, the intelligence agencies and the government, Mr Mahendra said. He indicated earlier that the death sentence was to be extended to apply to those convicted of terror attacks. Sounds like a good start — unpleasant, open to abuse, but essential. The Islamists will squeal like piggies and the fundos can be expected to take to the streets. Wonder if Mega can take the heat? Or if Hamzah Haz will kick her out and take over? |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |