Status: 08.12.2022 1:58 p.m
In 2002, Islamists blew up two cars outside a nightclub in Bali. 202 people died. One of the bomb builders is now free again early – in Australia, the home country of many victims, the anger is great.
The early release of the bomb maker involved in the 2002 Bali attacks has sparked outrage in Australia. 88 of the 202 fatalities in the attacks came from Australia. Minister of the Interior Clare O’Neill said it was a “terrible day for the victims of this inexcusable and heinous act”.
202 people were killed in the attacks on two nightclubs in the holiday resort of Kuta, six of those killed were Germans. Hundreds of people were also injured – many of them seriously.
Uman Patek is on parole for the remainder of his 20-year sentence. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Justice, he had “changed” and “sworn allegiance” to the Republic of Indonesia. Actually, the former member of the terrorist group Jemmaah Islamiyah, which had ties to al-Qaeda, would have been in prison until 2032. However, through good behavior and participation in de-radicalization programs, he met the conditions for an earlier release.
Sharp criticism from Australia
Survivors of the assassination have expressed skepticism about the credibility of the assassin’s transformation. “He may have behaved in prison, but now that he’s free, can the authorities really guarantee that he won’t become a criminal again?” said Dewa Ketut Rudita Widya Putra, whose arms still bear severe burn scars from the blasts.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said as soon as the release from prison became known in the summer that it would have a “devastating effect on the relatives of the dead”. Climate Minister Chris Bowen also said on ABC: “People have every right to be disappointed and concerned”. However, the Australian government respects that Indonesian law is different from Australian law.
Australia calls for the bomb maker to continue to be closely monitored.
Four of the perpetrators sentenced to death
Four perpetrators were sentenced to death in 2012, including Amrozi, who allegedly procured the explosive devices and drove the murder vehicle.
The Islam preacher Abu Bakar Basshir was considered the spiritual leader of the Jemaah Islamiah. However, a direct connection to the attacks could not be proven. He was sentenced to prison for other offenses and also released early.