EFL/FU:
An Indonesian court sentenced three men to between 15 and 16 years in prison Monday for helping to finance last year’s terrorist bombings on Bali island by robbing a jewelry store.
If they had been holy clerics, instead of just stickup men, they would have gotten off easier.
The three men admitted to taking part in the robbery in August 2002 on Java island but maintained they did not know the proceeds would be used for funding the Bali nightclub attacks that killed 202 people.
| "Hell, no! We thought it was gonna go toward hookers and drugs, like it usually does..." |
They were not charged with direct involvement in the Oct. 12 attack. Key bombing suspect Imam Samudra also allegedly took part in the robbery.
"We rule the defendants are clearly guilty of ... providing money for a terrorist act," judge Ida Bagus Jagra said. Two defendants, Andi Hidayat and Junaedi, were sentenced to 15 years each in prison. Abdul Rauf received 16 years because the judges determined that it was his idea to rob the jewelry store.
"Hey, guys! Let's hold up a jewelry store!"
"Uhhh... Hokay... Can I bring my holy man, too?" |
They are among more than 30 suspects arrested over the Bali attack. The three men stole 5 1/2 pounds of gold from the shop, and the proceeds from the sale were used to fund the attack, judge Jagra said.
| That implies they pulled off a robbery on credit? |
More money allegedly was provided by Malaysian Wan Min Wan Mat, who is accused of channeled about $30,000 to the perpetrators. He is currently in custody in Malaysia. That money may have originated from al-Qaida, investigators said.
It’s a good bet.
Lawyers for Hidayat and Junaedi, who goes by a single name, said they were considering whether to appeal. |