Bashir Preaching Again: Java, Indonesia

He was supposed to be watched by the relevant authorities to ensure he does not preach extremism or incite others to arms against foreigners. But this has not happened and Bashir continues to preach his brand of hatred.

In Jakarta on Monday, Bashir attended an event to mark the eighth anniversary of an Islamist political party that campaigns for sharia in Indonesia and that was only three weeks after finishing a terrorism related prison term. It is blatantly obvious he is doing anything he wants and the authorities are doing nothing to keep him in check.

He addressed hundreds of supporters of the Crescent Star Party at the celebration of its anniversary and although his presence was warmly received the cleric denied joining the small Islamic party. In his speech Bashir branded Muslims who oppose sharia as "apostates".

He also said Indonesia should send Islamic holy warriors to Israel to punish it for unleashing air strikes in Palestinian territories and continued saying that Israel is the enemy of Allah.

Even though Bashir completed a 26 month jail term on June 14 for conspiracy in connection with the 2002 Bali bombings, his release has raised concerns that he will energize Indonesia's radical Islamic fringe by making impassioned speeches at rallies and mosques.