JAKARTA - THE Indonesian capital Jakarta was on high alert on Thursday with a court in the trial of Abu Bakar Bashir expected to deliver its verdict on terrorism charges against the radical cleric.Police on Wednesday tightened security at shopping centres across the sprawling city and deployed extra personnel following threats warning of 'bomb blasts in a number of places'.
More than 3,000 police and soldiers backed by armoured vehicles and several snipers will also guard the South Jakarta district court as the closely watched trial reaches its conclusion.
Bashir, 72, is accused of providing funding of more than US$62,000 (S$76,768) to a terrorist group dubbed Al-Qaeda in Aceh that was plotting attacks in Indonesia. Prosecutors have sought a maximum life sentence. He is seen as a spiritual leader of South-east Asian militants, but he denies any role in terrorist activity.
Police were taking the special precautions after phone text messages threatening terror attacks circulated in the mainly Muslim country, said Jakarta police chief Sutarman, who goes by one name.
Security forces will be stationed around the court and only people with special identification passes such as journalists will be allowed on the premises, where the cleric's supporters are expected to try and congregate. -- AFP
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