Bali Villas

The family of alleged Bali bombing mastermind Hambali say they are relieved by the news he may soon face trial in the United States.

Hambali, also known as Riduan Isamuddin, is accused of being the main linkman between al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah, the terrorist group blamed for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

He was captured in Thailand in 2003 and has been detained by the US at the Guantanamo Bay prison, in Cuba, since 2006.

The Obama administration is reportedly considering trying Hambali in Washington as it proceeds with plans to close the controversial prison.

Hambali’s family in West Java have welcomed the end to years of uncertainty about his fate, despite their fears a US trial may lead to his execution. Read the rest of this entry »

SEVERAL of the Bali Nine Australian drug traffickers were among about 150 Christian inmates who belatedly celebrated Christmas at Kerobokan jail with carol singing and prayers, mingled with symbols of Hinduism and Balinese dance.

The 10 churches involved in yesterday’s service had been too busy at Christmas to give their time to Kerobokan, The Australian reports.

Family and friends of the convicted Australian drug traffickers joined the three-hour Christian service, attended by Kerobokan prison chief, Suswanto, and culminating in a traditional Indonesian lunch of nasi campur (rice, meat and vegetables).

Scott Rush, on death row for his part in attempting to smuggle 8.3kg of heroin from Indonesia to Australia, appeared briefly, joining parents Lee and Christine Rush, while convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby did not appear.

Rush is yet to launch his final appeal, along with the two other Australian Bali Nine drug couriers facing death, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran – both of whom attended the service yesterday. The cases are likely to be heard this year.

Ministering to most of the Bali Nine each Wednesday, the pastor of the United Pentecostal Church in Kuta, Thompson Manafe, said yesterday that Rush was extremely lonely.

“He feels empty – that there is no hope. He says he’s very scared and thinks about his death sentence but he does not believe he will be executed.

“When he says he’s scared of dying I say your body is not eternal but your soul is.”

Chan, sporting black cap, freshly laundered shirt and shorts, appeared in good spirits as he and his Indonesian girlfriend, Farah, clapped, sang and swayed to religious songs.