Bali bombings mastermind set to escape trial due to lack of evidence

Sydney, Aug. 29 (ANI): The suspected mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed 202 people, may escape trial in the case with US officials saying that military prosecutors lack the evidence to charge Hambali.

News.com.au quoted senior US officials, as saying that military prosecutors don't have enough evidence to prove Indonesian terror suspect's role in the bombings of the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar on October 12, 2002. The news is set to disappoint relatives of those who perished in the deadliest terrorist.

It follows the execution in Indonesia last year of the three bombers, Imam Samudra and brothers Amrozi and Mukhlas. Although Hambali will remain in custody for his involvement in other terrorist attacks across the archipelago, US officials say it is unlikely the 45-year-old will be charged over his role in the Bali bombings.

"As it stands now, the case against Hambali on Bali is weak. But the investigation has not stopped. It is ongoing," he said.Despite the lack of evidence, there is a near universal consensus among experts, intelligence analysts and government officials that Hambali was involved in the twin blasts in the Kuta tourist strip. The report quoted former Office of National Assessments Indonesia analyst Ken Ward, as saying while Hambali was probably not involved in the operational planning, he was believed to have contributed 30,500 dollars to fund the crime. (ANI)