An Indonesian court on Thursday sentenced Islamic militant Ali Imron to life in jail for planning the Bali bombings which killed 202 people last October. "We sentence the defendant... to the punishment of jail for life," said chief judge Lilik Mulyadi. Imron, 33, appeared calm when the sentence was read out but appeared to be frowning when two policemen later led him away. The sentence was heavier than the 20-year term sought by prosecutors but less than the maximum penalty of death which can be imposed in terror cases. Mulyadi said the defendant had committed "an extraordinary crime and a crime against humanity". However, the judge said Imron "had felt guilt and has honestly expressed regrets". He was polite throughout the trial and had realized that the blast "was a mistake according to Islam", the judge said.
| Yeah. Sometimes ideas don't look so good after you've carried them out. Then, when you get caught, they look even worse... |
One of Imron's lawyers, Suyanto, said the defense team will consider whether to appeal. They will have seven days to make their decision. Two other Bali bombing accused, including Imron's brother Amrozi, have been sentenced to death. |