5 years jail sought for alleged book bomb journo

Hot property: A police officer tries to defuse a bomb packaged in a book at the Utan Kayu theater in Utan Kayu, East Jakarta in March 17, 2011 file photo. The bomb was placed inside a book titled Mereka Harus Dibunuh karena Dosa-Dosa Mereka terhadap Islam dan Muslimin (They must be killed for their sins against Islam and Muslims) written by author Sulaiman Azhar. (Kompas)Prosecutors demanded a five-year sentence for Global TV cameraman Imam Firdaus, over his alleged role in sending book bombs to several popular figures last year, during a trial at the West Jakarta District Court on Monday.

“We ask the panel of judges to proceed and declare Imam Muhammad Firdaus convincingly guilty of committing terrorism acts,” state prosecutor Teguh Suhendro told the court.

According to Teguh, Imam, a former Global TV cameraman, violated Terrorism Law No. 15/2003 for allegedly concealing information about the suspects of the bombings, as well as the locations targeted.

Teguh said that the bombing attacks had spread fear among the society and they were against the government's program to eradicate terrorism.

Imam's good conduct during the investigation and his status as the lone breadwinner of his family were mitigating factors, Teguh said as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Imam was allegedly involved in the attacks and the planned bombing of the Christ Church Cathedral of Serpong in Tangerang.

It is alleged that accused bomb-maker Pepi Fernando told Imam about the mail bombs on March 15, 2011, as well as telling him of a plan to blow up the church in Serpong.

Politician and liberal Islam activist Ulil Abshar Abdhalla, National Narcotics Agency chief Gories Mere, Pancasila Youth Movement head Yapto Soerjosumarsono and musician Ahmad Dhani received bombs disguised as books in March, 2011. One exploded and injured a police officer who had attempted to defuse the bomb.

Imam has also allegedly offered a scoop about the planned attack on the church to a reporter from the Al Jazeera TV network. The leaked information reached police intelligence who foiled the plan. Police discovered nine bombs planted along a gas pipeline next to the church building on April 21, 2011. (dmr)