Three prisoners at Guantanamo Bay detention camp are scheduled
to get their day in court on Monday after being held for 18 years in connection
with the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings and other incidents in Southeast Asia,
according to an Associated Press report. The three prisoners including Indonesian
prisoner Encep Nurjaman, also known as Hambali, bin Lep Mohammed Fariq bin Amin.

Also Read | US should have reported to us before drone attack: Taliban

The three prisoners will be arraigned in front of a military
commission on charges including murder, conspiracy and terrorism. The
arraignment is only the first step in what could be a long legal process for a
case that allegedly involves evidence “tainted” by the CIA, US’ intelligence
agency.

Also Read | Lake Tahoe threatened by massive fire, more ordered to flee

The hearing for the three Guantanamo detainees comes as the
United States prepares to shut Guantanamo, a detention centre that remained a
secret to the world for years. US still holds 39 out of 779 people arrested in
the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and invasion of Afghanistan.

Also Read | ‘A fortnight is a long time’: UNSC statement on terrorism skips Taliban

While the arraignment is scheduled, it is still uncertain if it
will actually take place. Lawyers have sought more time as they say they did
not have adequate access to interpreters and other resources to mount an
effective defence. The accused, however, will show up for the hearing.

Also Read | Taliban guard Kabul airport as most NATO troops leave Afghanistan

A Navy judge will preside over the case in the commission and is
expected to consider the question before charges are presented in a secure
courtroom. The prime accused, Encep Nurjaman, is said to be a leader of Jemaah
Islamiyah, a Southeast Asian militant group with ties to the al-Qaida.
According to the US, Nurjaman recruited militants for “jihadist” operations.

Also Read | Terrorist group JeM met Taliban, sought support to attack Srinagar: Reports

Among the terror plots carried out by Jemma Islamiyah and al-Qaida
in collaboration are: the October 2002 suicide bombings of Paddy’s Pub and the
Sari Club in Bali, Indonesia and the August 2003 suicide bombing at JW Marriott
in Jakarta Indonesia. The attacks cumulatively killed 213 people, including
seven Americans, and injured 109 people, including six US citizens.

US prosecutors allege bin Lep and Mohammed Farik bin Amin were intermediaries
in transfer of money to fund Jemaah Islamiya’s operations.  

(With inputs from Associated Press)