AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2005
Fed: Howard sorry about Bashir decision
Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says he's sorry Australia cannot do anything about the early
release of convicted Bali bombing ringleader ABU BAKAR BASHIR.
His comment comes after Indonesian authorities cut BASHIR'S sentence by four-and-a-half
months as part of celebrations to mark 60 years of the country's independence.
That means BASHIR will be out of jail in 10 months.
Mr HOWARD says Australian ambassador DAVID RITCHIE has spoken to the Indonesian government
but nothing can be done to reverse the decision.
He says one of the Indonesian ministers has pointed out it's something that automatically
happens under Indonesian law.
BASHIR is serving a 30-month jail sentence for his role in instigating the October
2002 bombings in which 202 people died, including 88 Australians.
Seventeen other men convicted over the bombings -- and who were originally sentenced
for up to 16 years -- reportedly received three-month reductions.
AAP RTV bt/mfh/sb/low/jv
KEYWORD: INDON BASHIR HOWARD (CANBERRA)
2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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