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| Southeast Asia |
| Bali suspect justifies bombings |
| 2003-07-16 |
| The suspected planner of the 2002 Bali bomb attacks has said the carnage was "justifiable" under Islamic teachings. Imam Samudra, a 33-year-old Afghan-trained militant and computer specialist, told a court on Wednesday that the attack "avenged the killings of Muslims by the United States and its allies". He admitted he was involved in the attacks on two nightspots on the island, which killed more than 200 people. He also expressed regret at the deaths of Muslims in the bombings. "If we unintentionally kill someone during jihad, God will forgive us. It was an operational error," he said. "Happens all the time." Imam Samudra told the court he was in Bali before the attacks took place and met with others accused in the blasts. But he denied prosecution claims he planned the operation. "I was not the planner. But if you’re talking about involvement, then that is true," he said. He is charged by the court with plotting and organising terror crimes causing mass casualties. The crime carries the maximum penalty of death. His lawyers have said they expected Mr Samudra to be convicted. They hope to show he did not play a planning role and spare him the death penalty. That ain’t gonna fly, Imam Samudra is gonna die. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #2 The suspected planner of the 2002 Bali bomb attacks has said the carnage was "justifiable" under Islamic teachings. And them Muslims wonder why they're under such intense scrutiny. Note: Keep an eye out for a condemnation of Samudra's statements by Muslim "moderates". Chances are it'll be a long time in coming, if it comes at all. |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2003-7-16 1:36:03 PM |
| #1 "If we unintentionally kill someone during jihad, God will forgive us. It was an operational error," he said. Collateral damage is ok - if your |
| Posted by: PD 2003-7-16 11:13:33 AM |