https://7news.com.au/sunrise/bali-bomber-set-to-be-released-early-ahead-of-20th-...Bali bomber set to be released early ahead of 20th anniversary
of attack that killed 88 Australians.
The convicted bomb maker will have spent just 10 years in prison
over the double suicide bombings that killed 88 Australians in Kuta.
A convicted terrorist jailed over the 2002 Bali bombings is expected to walk free from prison - barely two months ahead of the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
On October 12, 2002, the double suicide bombings at two bars in the Bali tourist district of Kuta claimed the lives of 202 people, including 88 Australians.
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Following a decade-long manhunt, Umar Patek, 52, was in 2012 jailed over his role in the attacks and sentenced to 20 years in jail.
However, now the convicted bomb maker is expected to be released in just days - 10 years earlier than his original sentence.
Patek was granted an early release as part of Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.
Although Patek has only served half his sentence, officials insist he has been de-radicalised.
7NEWS Reporter Liam Tapper told Sunrise there were a few factors behind the decision, including that he has reportedly been behaving well behind bars.
“He has also co-operated with police in their investigations,” he said.
“Another reason is he has made a public statement pledging allegiance to Australia, and he has also apologised to two people who lost family members in that time.”
The timing of his release comes as a devastating blow to victims’ families as they prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks in October.
The families say the news of his early release has come as a shock.
The memorial service is expected to take place at a Bali memorial in the Sydney suburb of Coogee.