Suspected Bali bombings mastermind Abu Bakar Bashir released from jail in Indonesia

Notorious Islamic extremist Abu Bakar Bashir, who is suspected of being a mastermind behind the Bali bombings, has been released from an Indonesian prison.

Bashir, now 82, was released because his sentence for terror offences expired early due to good behaviour behind bars.

He was the spiritual leader of terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah (JI) in 2002 when it carried out the Bali bombings, although he’s always denied being involved.

Bashir was released early this morning and was met at the jail by his son.

His lawyer Achmad Michdan said in a statement that Bashir left jail at 5:30am local time, in order to “avoid crowds”.

He said the cleric was tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving Gunung Sindur prison and that the result came back negative.