12 years doesn’t seem much for plotting to take the lives and killing innocent people, but that’s what 3 Islamists in Indonesia received. Sugianto, Heri Purwanto, and Agustyawarman, members of the radical Islamist Jemaah Islamiyah group, were sentenced to 12 years each for their part in planning and executing various terror plots.

The judges found Purwanto guilty of involvement in the 2007 murder of Christian teacher Dago Simamora as well as an attack on Christian priest Yosua Winardi with a hammer.

Both Purwanto and Agustyawarman were found to have plotted attacks on other priests.

Agustyawarman was also found to have been involved in a plan to bomb a backpacker cafe on Sumatra island in 2006 which was aborted on fears of Muslim casualties.

Although prosecutors wanted 15 years, the Judge in the case, Judge Nurcahyo, opted for 12. Why he decided 12 would be better than 15 seems odd, considering he indicated that the sentence was predicated on the lack of remorse by the 3 militants

‘The factor aggravating the defendants’ sentences is the fact they have never shown remorse for what they did. All their actions were done consciously,’

Apparently all 3 shouted ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is greater) upon pronouncement of the sentence.

Did he really think a religious fanatic would show any remorse? Is he clueless as to the goals of jihad (holy war)? Considering Islam is Indonesia’s dominant religion, it seems highly unlikely. And had they shown remorse, would the sentences have been lighter? Anyone who consciously and with premeditation plots to kill others, should never see the light of day. After 12 years, these men will be released, although they are thinking of appealing, and will simply continue where they left off.

There should be no leniency for terrorists.