 The ageing cleric's trial could go on for months |
Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir has told a court that charges linking him to the 2002 Bali bombings and other attacks were "jokes". Ba'asyir said the charges were a plot, backed by the US, to keep him in jail.
Before the court convened, Ba'asyir condemned George W Bush's re-election as US president.
"George Bush continually causes disasters. Unless, God willing, he changes, then America will be struck with disaster," he said.
Ba'asyir stands accused of being the spiritual leader of militant Islamic network Jemaah Islamiah (JI).
 | CHARGES AGAINST BA'ASYIR Under anti-terror law: Conspiring, planning and inciting acts of terrorism (e.g. Marriott attacks) Using position to influence/persuade others Withholding information Under criminal code: Accessory to Bali attacks |
The prosecution will argue that, in this influential position, he encouraged and facilitated those under him to carry out acts of terrorism. These included the Bali attacks and a 2003 suicide bombing of the JW Marriott hotel in Jakarta.
Some of the charges he faces could, if proven, carry the death penalty.
But Ba'asyir said the charges against him were fabricated.
"I'm being charged with the Marriott bombing despite the fact I had been in jail for a year. I did not even know there was a hotel called the Marriott," he said.
Ba'asyir was acquitted of treason charges last year, after judges ruled that there was not enough evidence to link him to JI.
But prosecutors now say they have further evidence to back up their case.
Ba'asyir has often denied the charges against him - in fact he denies that JI even exists - and insists the trial is an American-led conspiracy.
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