Tiny minority of extremists update: contrary to this story, the jihad terror group Jemaah Islamiyah will not be banned — apparently because it has too much support among Muslims. From Laksamana.net, with thanks to Chas & Pat:
Laksamana.Net – A presidential spokesman has denied claims by a senior security official that Indonesia is planning to outlaw regional terrorism network Jemaah Islamiyah.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s spokesman Andi Mallarangeng on Wednesday (23/3/05) said the government did not intend to ban the group, which has been blamed for a series of deadly bombings.
“We know nothing about that. We have no plans,” he was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press….
Banning the group would win praise from the US and Australia, and make it easier for authorities to arrest and prosecute militants. But such a move would be opposed by certain Muslim groups and political parties, which fear it could usher in wider crackdowns on Islamic activists.
Wider crackdowns on Islamic activists? Why, we couldn’t have that.