Homeland Security

DATE=03/31/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDONESIA J-I LEADER (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-314627

BYLINE=TIM JOHNSTON

DATELINE=JAKARTA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Lawyers for the alleged leader of a Southeast Asian terror group have started campaigning to prevent their client from being charged with terrorism. As Tim Johnston reports from the Indonesian capital, the lawyers are attempting to drive a wedge between Jakarta and Washington.

TEXT: The release from jail in the next few weeks of Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, the alleged leader of the Southeast Asia terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, is raising international concern, especially from the United States and Australia.

His lawyers held a news conference saying any attempt to charge Bashir with terrorism will be a capitulation to the United States.

Wirawan Adnan is one of Bashir's lawyers.

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If our government accommodates the wish of the American influence, then it is an indication that we are no longer independent: We are under. heavy pressure from America that our client is a terrorist.

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Bashir is in jail for immigration violations. He has never been charged with terrorist offenses and denies any involvement.

The United States says transcripts from interrogations of terrorists in custody show Bashir's involvement in the terror group. Indonesian authorities say they will use this evidence against Bashir in court if possible.

The confrontation between Bashir's lawyers and Indonesian authorities is drawing attention because Indonesians go to the polls to elect a new parliament next week in a strongly nationalistic mood. Political analysts say candidates do not want to be seen as pandering to foreign influence.

As a consequence, they say the government is unlikely to file terrorist charges against Bashir anytime soon, despite the threat of the group responsible for the October 2002 Bali bombing and last year's attack on the U-S-run Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/TJ/MH/RAE