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Driver for Top's terror gang on trial in Jakarta
The alleged driver for a terrorist group led by the late Noordin M. Top faced his first hearing Tuesday at the South Jakarta District Court. Supono faces charges of harboring known fugitives and obstructing a police investigation, and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.Supono was fully aware that Noordin and his accomplices were terrorists, yet he failed to report the matter to the police,' said prosecutor Lila Agustina. We therefore charge him with harboring terrorists.' Supono previously worked at a factory before joining a Koran recital group led by Bagus Budi Pranoto in Surakarta, Central Java. Bagus was one of the suspected terrorists killed on Sept. 22 last year alongside Noordin during a police raid in the town. Other wanted terror suspects killed in the incident were Aji and Adib Susilo. Supono has claimed Bagus had indoctrinated him on jihad, or holy war. Lila alleged Bagus had taught Supono that jihad was obligatory for all Muslims, particularly in light of the oppression by Western powers'. Supono was fully aware that Noordin and his accomplices were terrorists, yet he failed to report the matter to the police. He was told that everyone must perform their own personal jihad in revenge for their Muslim brethren,' she said. The trial has been adjourned until Wednesday next week, when the court will hear from the defense team led by lawyer Ashluddin Adjani. Also facing terrorism-related charges in a separate hearing at the court Tuesday was Muhammad Jibriel Abdulrahman, who ran the online Arrahmah network allegedly to raise funds for terrorist activities. Jibriel had earlier moved to be transferred to Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta from the Kelapa Dua Maximum Security Penitentiary in Depok, West Java. His father, Abu Jibriel, said the motion had been filed following repeated visitation denials by wardens at Kelapa Dua. Jibriel has also moved for his trial to be heard in South Tangerang, pointing out he had been arrested at his home there and should thus stand trial in that jurisdiction. Prosecutor Firmansyah objected to the motion, saying the trial should proceed in the capital where Jibriel's security and that of the trial itself could be guaranteed. Posted by: ryuge 2010-03-10 |
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