A frail but bloodthirsty Muslim cleric suspected of leading a violent Southeast Asian Islamic network went on trial for treason on Wednesday in Indonesia's highest-profile case since the Bali bombings that prompted a crackdown on militants. Security was tight as supporters of the bearded Abu Bakar Bashir, 64, packed the large hall where he is being tried shouting "Allahu Akbar (God is greatest)" as he entered.
| "Lookee here, Mahmoud, make sure you get a good mob out there and have 'em holler real loud. If they don't holler loud, the jurors won't get the message, y'know? Ain't nobody gonna be scared if they're well-behaved." |
Bashir was wearing a white brassiere cup Muslim cap, shawl and a white shirt. Some supporters were all in white and others in black with such slogans as "Mujahidin" and "I am proud to be the defender of Sharia Islam (Islamic law)" written on their clothes.
| And don't forget "I like cutting people's heads off!" |
No posters were allowed inside the hall at the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency where the trial is being held to accommodate the hundreds of spectators. Outside, two police water cannon were at the ready, scores of police were on hand and spectators were searched before entering the court compound and again before entering the trial hall. The trial is a test for the government of secular-minded President Megawati Sukarnoputri as she walks a tightrope between a tough position against terror and persuading the nation's Muslim masses that that effort does not target Islam. |