Prosecutors seek long sentences for suspected 'Al-Qaeda in Aceh' terrorists

Prosecutors seek long sentences for suspected 'Al-Qaeda in Aceh' terrorists

2010-12-14 12:12:24 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indonesian prosecutors on Monday demanded jail sentences of as long as 12 years for the four suspected 'Al-Qaeda in Aceh' terrorists, the Jakarta Globe reported.

The four men are charged with violating anti-terrorism laws and prosecutors sought twelve-year sentences for Adi Munadi, Deni Suhendra and Ade Miroz. They also demanded 10 years in prison for Abu Rimba, who is also known as "Munir."

Prosecutors told the South Jakarta District Court that the four defendants illegally used firearms in paramilitary training sessions in the Jalin mountains in Jantho, Aceh Besar, earlier this year. Among those firearms used in the training were M-16 automatic rifles and handguns.

The group's alleged activities also caused fear among residents who depended on the forest nearby for their livelihood. Local residents stopped entering the forest after discovering the paramilitary training group.

The defendants violated two of the anti-terrorism laws, according to prosecutors, charging them with the possession, use and storage of firearms, ammunition and or explosives, and the plotting of terrorist acts.

The violations carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. However, the defendants' good behavior and the fact that they did not have a previous criminal record and that they regretted their actions may result in a lighter sentence.

Attorneys of Munir requested a lighter sentence because his role in the training sessions was merely of a guide and that he voluntarily surrendered to the police, who raided the camp in February.

The South Jakarta Court is currently conducting 32 trials of 51 terror suspects linked to the Aceh group. Law enforcement named the group conducting the armed paramilitary training 'Al-Qaeda in Aceh.'

The group plotted attacks to kill people from the United States, mainly aid workers and tourists. The terror group also planned to attack President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and other state officials this year during Independence Day celebrations.

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