Bali Bombing Survivor's Response To Umar Patek Out Of Prison Soon: He's Not An Easily Forgivable Chicken Thief

JAKARTA - Although the exact time is not known, Bali Bombing convict I Umar Patek will soon breathe free air. How the victims of the Bali I bombing who are still traumatized will respond?

Almost two decades Thiolina Ferawati Marpaung had to live with permanent eye injuries. However, the news that Umar Patek could be released early has caused a new trauma.

"It's not that I don't respect the rights of others, but he has hurt the survivors and their families with his evil and inhumane actions," Thiolina said as quoted by Channel News Asia citing AFP reports, Thursday 25 August.

For Thiolina, the smell of smoke can still be smelled clearly. Memories flashed back to the explosion that made shards of glass tear through her eyes.

Umar Patek is a former member of Jamaah Islamiyah who was involved in acts of terrorism. He was hunted by Indonesia, the United States, and Australia.

In fact, the Rewards For Justice Program once offered a reward of 1 million US dollars for anyone who could provide information to make an arrest.

In 2011, Umar was arrested by Pakistani security forces in Abbottabad. Furthermore, he claimed to have played a role in the 2002 Bali Bombings and Christmas Eve 2000.

In 2012, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his actions. He was found guilty on six counts, including assaulting a church during Christmas Eve Mass in 2000.

"Please, he does what he deserves as a terror prisoner, not like the chicken thief we can easily forgive," the 47-year-old said.

The Public Relations Coordinator of the Directorate General of Corrections, Rika Aprianti, explained that Umar Patek was still waiting for a decision on his parole.

"Until the issuance of the decision on parole, it will only be known whether or not it was approved or when the parole began for Umar Patek," Rika said when contacted by VOI.

Umar Patek, continued Rika, does have the right to apply for parole like other inmates. Moreover, the administrative and substantive requirements have been fulfilled.

"The conditions are good behavior, follow the coaching program properly, do not commit violations, and for terrorism cases, the NKRI pledge has been made," she said.

"For these conditions, Umar Patek has fulfilled them, so according to the applicable laws and regulations, he meets the requirements (applying for parole, ed)," added Rika.