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| Southeast Asia |
| Bali bomber Hambali soon to face trial in US |
| 2010-01-19 |
| THE family of alleged Bali bombing mastermind Hambali said they were relieved by the news he may soon face trial in the United States. Hambali, also known as Riduan Isamuddin, is accused of being the main linkman between al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah, the terrorist group blamed for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians. He was captured in Thailand in 2003 and has been detained by the US at the Guantanamo Bay prison, in Cuba, since 2006. The Obama administration is reportedly considering trying Hambali in Washington as it proceeds with plans to close the controversial prison. Hambali's family in West Java have welcomed the end to years of uncertainty about his fate, despite their fears a US trial may lead to his execution. "Thank God if there can be certainty for my brother," Hambali's younger brother Kankan Abdul Qadir told the Jakarta Globe newspaper. "Our mother, Mariyani, also continues to pray for my brother." Kankan said the family wanted the Indonesian Government to help them travel to Washington and get US approval to meet with Hambali. Hambali has not seen his family for more than a decade but he has sent them letters since his detention at Guantanamo Bay. |
| Posted by:tipper |