Key Bali bomber gets death by firing squad

An Indonesian court yesterday sentenced to death the man who commanded the Bali nightclub bombings, wrapping up the trials of the four main accused ahead of the first anniversary of the atrocity.

Islamic militant Mukhlas, who now joins a younger brother on death row, shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) as the verdict was announced. He said he would appeal.

"We hereby declare the defendant has been proven legally and convincingly guilty of collectively plotting crimes of terrorism and possession of firearms without permission. We impose the death sentence," said presiding judge Tjokorda Rai Suamba.

Mukhlas, alias Ali Gufron, was the fourth key suspect to be convicted for the October 12 attacks and the third to be sentenced to death by firing squad.

He was accused of overall responsibility for the blasts, which killed 202 people, mainly foreign tourists partying in nightclubs.