Court set to issue verdict on Ba'asyir

South Jakarta District Court is scheduled on Thursday to hear the verdict in the high-profile trial of firebrand cleric and suspected terrorist Abu Bakar Ba'asyir.

Ba'asyir was initially arrested for his suspected involvement in a military-style training facility in Aceh, allegedly linked to terrorist activity.

After hearing testimonies of up to 40 witnesses, prosecutors demanded a life sentence for Ba'asyir for allegedly plotting and inciting others to collect money to fund the facility.

At least 2,500 police officers have been deployed to secure the Thursday hearing.