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Aussies outraged at overturning of Bali bomb conviction
SYDNEY - Families of Australian victims of the 2002 Bali bomb blast expressed outrage and disgust Friday at an Indonesian decision to overturn the conviction of a militant Muslim cleric linked to the plot.Prime Minister John Howard said he was upset for the families of the 88 Australians who died in the explosions, but said Canberra could not change Thursdays ruling by a judge that cleared firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Bashir. Of course it is the court system of another country and we cant change that, Howard said. But it doesnt stop us feeling upset and I know there will be a feeling of anger on the part on the parents and loved ones and I am feeling for them this morning very much, he told Channel Nine news. The prime minister also pointed out that while Bashir had been convicted of organising the attack, those who detonated the bombs that killed 202 people in a nightclub and a bar had been convicted and were awaiting the death penalty. Bashir, 68, was released from jail in June after serving nearly 26 months for his role in a sinister conspiracy that led to the Bali bombings. Posted by: Steve White 2006-12-22 |
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