Bali bomb suspect goes on trial

By Rachel Harvey
BBC correspondent in Jakarta

The last suspect still in detention in connection with the Bali bombing in October 2002 has gone on trial in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

Idris is accused of helping to plan two deadly attacks in Indonesia

Idris, also known as Jhoni Hendrawan, is accused of being involved in planning both the Bali attack and the bombing of a Jakarta hotel last August. He will be charged under Indonesia's anti-terrorism laws which carry a maximum penalty of death.

Three people have so far been sentenced to death for the Bali attacks.

Prosecutors say Idris was a key figure in both the Bali and Jakarta attacks.

He is accused of helping to facilitate the Bali bombing, arranging transport and accommodation for the perpetrators, and distributing some of the money used to fund the attack.

BALI TRIALS Three men sentenced to death: Amrozi, Ali Imron and Mukhlas More than 20 others handed jail sentences Two key suspects still at large: Dulmatin and Dr Azahari Husin Bali bombing suspects

Idris was arrested in June 2003, two months before the explosion at the J W Marriot hotel in Jakarta.

But he was subsequently charged with also helping to plan that attack - a suicide car bombing which killed 12 people.

Idris's trial should have started last week but was postponed because the defendant was feeling unwell. His lawyers say he is still sick, but it has now been decided he is fit enough to answer the charges levelled against him.

Speaking to reporters while waiting for his trial to start, Idris said: "I hope to God that what I've done is right, but if it was wrong I ask forgiveness from God".

Idris has appeared in court once already - as a witness in the trial of one of the key suspects found guilty of the Bali attack.

During his testimony, Idris acknowledged being a member of the Islamic extremist group Jemaah Islamiah, which is thought to have been responsible for a string of attacks across East Asia, including both the Bali and Jakarta bombings.