Convicted Bali bomber Ali Imron is pressing Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for a pardon, citing his years of cooperation with counterterrorism efforts and the recent release of Australian drug offenders who had been given life sentences as reasons for leniency.
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However, analysts say his chances remain slim, with any such move likely to provoke outrage from Australia, where memories of the 2002 attack still run deep, and an Indonesian government wary of backlash over freeing a convicted terrorist.
Imron has spent the last 22 years in prison after receiving a life sentence for his role in the horrifying bombings on the Indonesian island that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.
The bombing also injured a further 200 people, some of whom suffered lifelong injuries after a series of explosions in and outside of bars in a popular tourist area.
Imron admitted playing a key role in the attack, helping to assemble and transport the explosives that were used. He was spared the death penalty after expressing remorse and cooperating with authorities, providing detailed accounts of the operation.
Two years ago, after serving 20 years in prison, Imron filed for a presidential pardon, his only remaining legal avenue should he one day be released.
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