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The trial of Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir is moving ahead. Bashir is accused of leading a regional network linked to al Qaeda.
On Thursday, a court in Jakarta ruled the trial of Indonesian Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir can go ahead. He's accused of leading a regional network linked to al Qaeda.
Bashir arrived at court amid tight security as hundreds of supporters struggled to get inside the court building. More than 2,000 personnel were deployed along with two security vehicles with snipers to secure the court.
[Son Hadi, Bashir Supporter]:
"If the trial proceeds we demand an independent team in the court and make sure that the witnesses witnessed what was happening so that we will have a fair trial here."
The court is due to start hearing testimony from witnesses next week.
Abu Bakar Bashir is accused of planning to use weapons to commit acts of terror and funding a paramilitary training camp in Aceh Province.
He's been on trial before, but analysts say that this time police have more evidence. And if Bashir is found guilty he will be more likely to face a long jail term than execution.