CHRONOLOGY-Key steps in Indonesia's hunt for Bali bombers
29 Oct 2007 11:36:09 GMT Source: Reuters
(For related story see INDONESIA-MILITANTS [nSP28598] ) Oct 29 (Reuters) - Three Indonesians sentenced to death for the 2002 Bali blasts, which killed more than 200 people, say they are ready to be executed and their only regret is that Muslims died in the attack. Here are some key dates over the five years since the blasts. Oct 12, 2002: Blasts near the tourist island Bali's Kuta Beach nightclub area kill 202 people, including 88 Australians. Militant group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) is blamed. Nov 5: Indonesian police arrest the first suspect, a mechanic called Amrozi from East Java. Nov 21: Police arrest the alleged chief planner of the bombings, Imam Samudra, a 33-year-old former religious teacher described by police as a computer expert from West Java. Dec 4: Amrozi's older brother, Mukhlas, a Muslim preacher also known as Ali Gufron, is arrested in central Java. He is alleged to be the operational chief of JI in Southeast Asia. May 12, 2003: Amrozi goes on trial, charged with plotting the attacks and buying the explosives. He is dubbed "the smiling bomber" for his expressions of delight during court appearances. June 2: Imam Samudra goes on trial. June 16: Mukhlas's trial opens. One week later he retracts all statements, saying he was tortured into confessing. Aug 7: Tears flow and survivors applaud in court as Amrozi is found guilty and is sentenced to death. Sept 10: Imam Samudra is found guilty of masterminding the attacks and is sentenced to death. Oct 2: Mukhlas is sentenced to death. He pleads for a reduction, and says he will appeal. July 25, 2006: An official from Bali's district attorney's office says the three might be executed in August. Aug 21: Indonesia delays the executions, as defence lawyers plan to request a Supreme Court judicial review. Sept 12, 2007: The three say they wil not seek a presidential pardon, after the Supreme Court throws out Amrozi's final appeal. Source: Reuters
