Military 'ready to assist' police in Ba’asyir trial

A high-ranking police official says the military is willing to assist the police in maintaining security at firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir’s final trial session tomorrow.

Ba’asyir, who is on trial for abetting terrorism, will hear his verdict read out in tomorrow’s trial at the South Jakarta District Court.

“We hold the responsibility of safeguarding the trial. However, if something comes up and we need more men to maintain control then our military friends will be there to help,” National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said Wednesday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Untung did not say how many military personnel would be on hand to assist them.

For the moment, the police is the sole authority in charge of upholding security at tomorrow's trial. It has said it plans to dispatch 3,500 police officers to the court tomorrow.