The alleged operational chief of a regional militant Muslim network will face trial on June 16 on charges of helping plot the Bali bombings, the third suspect to take the stand over the attack, according to an official. Mukhlas, also known as Ali Gufron, could give the best insight yet into south-east Asia's Jemaah Islamiah organisation. Mukhlas has bragged about knowing Osama bin Laden, whose Al Qaeda network has been linked to Jemaah Islamiah.
| "Yeah. Me an' Binny's buddies. We used to get together on Wednesday nights for cards, a few beers, a few laffs. Friday was our bowling night..." |
Mukhlas has been charged with plotting, organising and carrying out terror crimes causing mass casualties. The charges are the same as those faced by the alleged mastermind of the attack, Imam Samudra, and Mukhlas' younger brother, Amrozi. Like the two men already on trial, Mukhlas faces the death penalty if convicted. |