Fed: Bali victim's father angered by Idris decision

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2004
Fed: Bali victim's father angered by Idris decision

CANBERRA, Aug 25 AAP - The father of a Bali bombing victim has reacted with anger and
despair to the dropping of charges against one of the main perpetrators.

Spike Stewart, whose son Anthony died in the October 2002 blasts, today implored Prime
Minister John Howard to "do something".

In Jakarta yesterday, Idris, also known as Jhoni Hendrawan, escaped a tough prison
term after prosecutors were forced to drop some charges following a recent landmark ruling
by the Constitutional Court.

He was jailed for 10 years for playing a minor role in the suicide bombing last year
of the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, which killed 11 Indonesians and a Dutch banker.

But the South Jakarta District Court was forced to drop key charges linking Idris to
the Bali bombings, which killed 202 mostly Australian holidaymakers, even though Idris
had admitted his involvement.

Mr Stewart said he was appalled by the decision.

"It shouldn't happen," Mr Stewart told ABC radio.

"He's got 10 years for carrying explosives to the (Marriott) hotel and now he gets
off - and he's confessed - he gets off for killing 202 people and injuring hundreds (in
Bali).

"I don't know what their law's all about over there.

"I love Bali and everything like that ... but why, why do they do this?

"Everyday something else pops up, I knew it in my heart this was going to happen."

Mr Stewart said he now feared bombing mastermind Amrozi would try to avoid his punishment.

"Now Amrozi's going to turn around and he's going to say `well (Idris) got off, why
can't I get off' and they're going to let him go ... and say `sorry about that mate',"

he said.

"I just can't understand it, their laws. If you confess to a crime - whether the laws
come in before or after - you should be charged with it.

"This is why I wanted the executions, I wanted them shot ... so that they can't go
and (get off) in 10 years time."

Mr Stewart said Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer should
intervene.

"Howard and Downer, they've got to do something, it's got to stop. Unless we stop them,
nobody else is (going to)," Mr Stewart said.

Mr Downer said last night that, in light of the Constitutional Court ruling, the Indonesians
may look at charging Idris and others with other offences.

He said although they may be affected by double jeopardy laws, there was some hope
that those involved in the Bali bombing would be held accountable for their actions.

AAP db/it/sd

KEYWORD: TERROR INDON AUST VICTIM

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