Indonesian court told Bashir incited attacks

Indonesian Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir went on trial yesterday accused of leading an al Qaeda-linked militant network and for using his "religious charisma" to incite others to carry out bomb attacks.

Prosecutors said Bashir also ordered members of the Jemaah Islamiah group to disseminate statements from al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden calling for war against Americans.

His terrorism trial is an early test of promises by new President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to fight militancy. The US embassy in Indonesia said the trial could spark violence.

Scores of Bashir's supporters shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) as police carrying M-16 assault rifles led the bespectacled preacher into court. Bashir first waved but then silenced his supporters by placing a finger to his lips.

"It's clear I'm not guilty. I'm sure," the 66-year-old cleric said as he arrived at the court. He accused President George W. Bush from "Satan America" and Australian Prime Minister John Howard of orchestrating his trial.

"Everyone knows, schoolchildren know, it's Bush and his slave, John Howard," said a smiling Bashir, wearing a white Muslim skull cap and with a shawl draped around his shoulders.

Prosecutors have charged Bashir with leading Jemaah Islamiah in relation to a suicide bomb attack at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in August last year that killed 12 people, along with blasts at Bali nightclubs in October 2002 that killed 202.

He could face the death penalty if found guilty.