Umar Patek was a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah extremist group that was responsible for the 2002 Bali bombings. Source: Umar Patek, Facebook.
One of the men involved in the 2002 Bali bombings is set to be released on parole after Indonesian police said he “behaved very well” whilst in prison.
Hisyam bin Ali Zein- who goes by Umar Patek- was arrested in 2012 for helping to create several bombs that were used in the 2002 incident that saw over 200 people killed, including 88 Australians at Paddy’s Bar and the Sari Club in Kuta.
He was originally sentenced to 20 years in prison but has only served 10 years with his release set for sometime in the coming days. His early release comes as part of Indonesia’s Independence Day Celebrations in which they typically release prisoners or reduce their sentences.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that the government is making diplomatic representations to Indonesian authorities, citing how stressful his release will be, especially ahead of the 20th anniversary on October 12.
“We have been advised that there has been a further reduction in the sentence for this person of some five months, and that of course will add to the distress that Australians are feeling.”
“My thoughts this morning are with the families of the victims of the Bali bombings.”
Speaking to Perth Now and ABC Radio Perth, Phil Britten- a survivor who lost many of his Kingsley Football Club teammates to the blasts- said that he is outraged at the news, calling it “disgusting”.
“I’m pretty appalled to be honest, who gets to take so many lives away and just because they’ve been well behaved gets such a reduced sentence and go back out to the community.
“We are victims again, victims of the Indonesian justice system, it never goes away.”
“This situation that we’re facing – yes we’re reflecting on the 20 years of that terrible night, 20 years ago, but now we have to I guess deal with emotions of this guy getting out as well.”
