http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/lawandorder/patek-sentence-will-not-deter-future-terrorists-expert/526316?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jgnewsletter
Patek Sentence Will Not Deter Future Terrorists: Expert Bayu Marhaenjati | June 23, 2012 Umar Patek is escorted by police officers as he arrives before his trial at a West Jakarta court on Thursday, June 21, 2012. An Indonesian terrorism expert warned that the Patek's 20-year prison sentence will not deter future terrorists from planning attacks. Intelligence analyst Al Chaidar urged Indonesia to sentence Patek to death. (Reuters Photo) If Indonesian authorities hope to deter future terrorists, Bali bomber Umar Patek needs to be sentenced to death, not 20 years in prison, a terrorism expert said on Friday. “I think it is not an appropriate sentence,” intelligence analyst Al Chaidar said. “[High-profile terrorists] like Umar Patek should be sentenced to death.” The West Jakarta District Court sentenced Patek to 20 years behind bars on Thursday. He was found guilty of playing a vital role in the October 2002 bombing of two bars in Bali and the 2000 Christmas Eve bombing of a church in Jakarta. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Patek, charging the Jemaah Islamiyah member with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, terrorism and possession of firearms and explosives. But the court showed leniency in the sentencing, citing Patek’s apology as a sign of remorse over his actions. Chaidar, of Malikussaleh University in Aceh, doubted Patek’s apology was sincere. “There is no repenting for a terrorist at the level of Umar Patek,” he said. “He would not give up or repent.” Chaidar said that Patek will be a significant figure in Indonesian terrorism as long as he is still alive. But he was quick to point out that the only way to make an impact on Indonesia’s terrorists is through diplomacy. “The government should make a peace agreement and negotiate [with the terrorists],” Chaidar said. “With that condition, it can guarantee that there will be no more bombings. The [Patek sentence] is meaningless.” [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
