Radical Indonesian cleric [spiritual head of JI, group behind Bali bombings] arrested in terror plot

[Turborama]

Source: AP

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia's anti-terrorism unit arrested a radical Islamist cleric Monday for alleged ties to an al-Qaida-affiliated cell accused of plotting high-profile assassinations and Mumbai-style attacks targeting foreigners in the capital.

Abu Bakar Bashir, who has been arrested twice before and spent several years in jail, was heading home after delivering a sermon when the police swooped, surrounding his van and smashing in the rear window when body guards tried to stand in their way, according to Bashir's son, Abdul Rohim.

"The United States is behind this!" shouted the white-bearded cleric, who was wearing his traditional flowing white robe. He smiled as he was escorted under tight security into police headquarters, and said: "This arrest is a blessing ... I will be rewarded by Allah!"

The fiery 71-year-old is best known as one of the co-founders and spiritual head of Jemaah Islamiyah, the al-Qaida-linked network responsible for a string of suicide bombings in the world's most populous Muslim nation, including the 2002 attacks on Bali island that killed 202 people, most of them Western tourists.

=snip=

Police spokesman Maj. Gen. Edward Aritonang told reporters Monday this was the first time authorities had evidence Bashir was not just inspiring militants with his anti-Western rhetoric, but directly involved in planning attacks.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100809/ap_on_re_as/as_indonesia_terror_arrest

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Video report on this...

7News: Radical Islamic leader arrested
45 minutes ago - Australia 7 News 1:29 | 0 views
The radical Islamic leader who formed the group responsible for the Bali bombings, has been arrested again on terrorism charges.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/21307341



Excellent work by the Indonesian anti-terrorism unit, this evil bastard needs to be finally locked up for good.

[davidinalameda]

1. I agree

toss the key in the ocean on this one