Bashir ordered to stand trial in Jakarta

SYDNEY, March 10 (AAP)- Radical Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir must stand trial over terrorism charges, judges have ordered in Jakarta.
The panel of judges rejected arguments by Bashir's legal team on Thursday and ordered that the 72-year-old will go to trial on seven terrorism offences, the most serious of which carry a potential death sentence.
The court adjourned for 90 minutes after the prosecution requested 15 out of 130 witnesses be allowed to give evidence via video, rather than attend the court, out of fears for their safety.
The committal hearing was due to resume about 3pm AEDT.
About 200 Bashir supporters were rallying outside the South Jakarta District Court, but they were far outnumbered by police.
Two snipers were positioned on a rooftop opposite the court, wearing balaclavas and holding guns as they kept a watch on the crowd.
Bashir is facing seven charges for terrorism-related offences brought against him following the discovery of a secret paramilitary training camp in Aceh province last year.
The most serious charges against Bashir include planning and/or inciting a terrorist act, and trafficking in weapons and explosives for the purpose of conducting terrorism, both of which carry a maximum penalty of death.
However, it is the charge of supplying funds for terrorism, which carries a jail term of between three and 15 years, for which it appears the prosecution has the strongest evidence.
Bashir served almost 26 months in prison for conspiracy over the 2002 Bali bombings which killed 202 people, including 88 Australians, but was later acquitted on appeal.
No date has been set for the latest trial.