The terrorism trial of Indonesia’s best-known radical cleric has been postponed until next week over a technicality.
Abu Bakar Bashir, the 72-year-old spiritual head of the al Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah network, faces a maximum penalty of death on charges of helping plan a series of deadly attacks.
He is also charged with funding a new terror cell in Indonesia’s Aceh province and mobilising foot soldiers.
The trial was supposed to open at the tightly guarded South Jakarta District Court, but Bashir’s lawyers protested, saying they received a summons only two days ago.
Under Indonesian law, a defendant needs at least three days’ notice.
The trial will resume on Monday.
