Trial Opens For Top Suspect In 2002 Bali Bombings

Published February 13, 2012 3:27AM (EST)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The top suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings is standing trial in an Indonesian court.

Umar Patek, a Muslim militant known as "Demolition Man" for his expertise with explosives, is on trial in Jakarta for his role in the Bali bombings and other alleged acts of terrorism following a nine-year flight from justice. He is accused of making the explosives used in the Bali blasts, which killed 202 people.

Patek, whose trial began Monday, was captured in January 2011 in the same Pakistani town where U.S. Navy Seals would kill Osama bin Laden just a few months later.

The 45-year-old Patek, whose real name is Hisyam Bin Alizein and who has several aliases, could face death by firing squad if convicted of various terror-related charges and premeditated murder.


By Salon Staff

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