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Indonesia tightens security ahead of execution of Bali bombers


Indonesia has stepped up security at major installations across the country to guard against possible attacks ahead of the execution next month of 3 Bali bombers, police said on Monday.

"National police issued an order for all regional police across Indonesia to boost security in vital installations to anticipate possible sabotage or terror attacks," national police detective chief Susnoduaji told AFP.

Officials have said the 3 extremists convicted for the 2002 Bali bombings would be executed in early November.

Extremists Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra (pictured) face a firing squad over the attacks on packed nightspots on the resort island which killed 202 people, mainly foreign holidaymakers.

They were sentenced to death in 2003 but their execution has been repeatedly delayed by a string of failed appeals and religious considerations.

Susnoduaji said the vital installations under increased security included major contributors to economy such as power plants and fuel depots of state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina.

An official at major power plants in Cilacap in central Java, close to a prison island where the convicted bombers were being held, confirmed that security in the area had been tightened with more paramilitary police deployed.

Elite anti-terror police have also reportedly stepped up security near Amrozi and Mukhlas' village in East Java province in anticipation of their execution.

Executions in Indonesia are by firing squad, usually carried out at night in undisclosed locations after the prisoner receives at least 72 hours' notice.

Source: ChannelnewsAsia

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