A radical cleric linked to the deadly Bali bombings has been freed from prison early, to the grief and fury of survivors and victims’ loved ones of Indonesia’s worst terror attack.
Notorious Islamic extremist Abu Bakar Bashir, who has been accused of orchestrating the 2002 Bali bombings, was released from an Indonesian prison on Friday.
Bashir was the spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah – the terror group behind the 2002 bombings that killed 202 people including 88 Australians.
He was initially jailed over the terror attack, but his conviction was quashed on appeal.
Andrew Csabi, a survivor of the bombings, says he was handed a life sentence when he walked into the Sari Club in Bali 18 years ago.
Now a double amputee, Mr Csabi says he is grief-stricken and furious at Bashir’s release.
“Eighteen years doesn’t make much of a difference when you witness mass murder and what I went through,” he told SBS News. “Obviously your daily challenges, having lost a leg above the knee and half a foot in a terrorist bombing.
“I really don’t believe he has changed his ways,” Mr Csabi said of Bashir. “I don’t believe he’s repented, taken responsibility or apologised for his involvement in it.”
Under the cover of darkness and surrounded by local authorities, Bashir walked out of the Gunung Sindur detention centre a free man on Friday.
Dressed in his trademark white coat and wearing a face mask, the 82 year old stopped for photos with prison officials.
He even made a statement thanking people for their support before heading home.
The door swung open and the van drove out.
Bashir has been behind bars since 2011 for sponsoring a terrorist camp. His 15-year sentence was reduced periodically for good behaviour, leading to his early release.
Jan Laczynski, who by a lucky break left the Sari club just hours before the bombs went off, lost five friends that night.
He fears Bashir’s release could lead to future attacks.
“There are a lot of families that are still suffering every single day,” Mr Laczynski told SBS News.
Jan Laczynski lost five friends on the night of the Bali bombings.
SBS News
“When you talk about him leaving today, it is such a painful image, as soon as anyone sees that image on television, that is going to burn a hole in their hearts.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said Bashir’s freedom is distressing for the family and friends of the 88 Australians killed in the Bali bombings.
“We have made clear through our embassy in Jakarta the concerns we have that such individuals be prevented from further inciting others, and we will continue to follow those sort of issues through,” he said.
But expert Gregory Fealy from the Australian National University believes the radical cleric is unlikely to pose much of a threat to Indonesian security.
“He is an old man, not in good health, he has been out of contact with jihadist circles, and also he will be closely monitored by Indonesia authorities, everything he says and everyone he meets,” he told SBS News.
