Bali suspect justifies bombings

Imam Samudra denied planning the Bali attacks

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.

I was not the planner. But if you're talking about involvement, then that is true Imam Samudra The Bali bomb 'planner'

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.

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.

INDONESIA'S TERROR TRIALS Amrozi Trial began on 12 May Accused of providing the van and bombs used in the attacks. Imam Samudra Trial began on 2 June Accused of planning the attacks. Mukhlas (Ali Gufron) Trial begins on 16 June Accused of being the 'mastermind' behind the attacks Also said to be operations chief of regional militant group Jemaah Islamiah (JI). Abu Bakar Ba'asyir On trial for series of church bombings in 2000. Often linked to Bali bombings as he is accused of being JI's spiritual leader

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.

Prosecutors say he attended key planning meetings in the run-up to the attack and coordinated his conspirators' actions on the night of the blast.

More than 30 people have been arrested in connection with the attacks. All are accused of violating recently passed anti-terror laws.

Indonesian police last week arrested nine suspected militants belonging to Jemaah Islamiah and seized TNT and chemicals with explosive power 10 times that of the bombs used in Bali.

Jemaah Islamiah is a southeast Asian Muslim network accused of carrying out a terror campaign in the region by Indonesian authorities.

They say Mr Samudra is a senior member of the group.