Don Brash MP - National Party Leader

4 March 2005

Brash wants ambassador recalled

National Party Leader Don Brash is calling for New Zealand to urgently recall its ambassador to Indonesia for consultations in protest at the "pathetic" sentence handed down on Bali bombing terror leader Abu Bakar Bashir.

Bashir was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison for conspiracy in the 2002 bombings, which killed 202 people, including three New Zealanders and 88 Australians. With credit off for time served he could be freed next year.

"Frankly, such a puny sentence for such an horrific crime is pathetic and may only serve to encourage terrorists," Dr Brash says.

"Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff should immediately recall Ambassador Chris Elder for consultations as a protest.

"Unfortunately, Mr Goff's response so far has been about as weak as the sentence, so I am not expecting much. But New Zealand must be prepared to show its disgust."

ENDS

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