Radical cleric linked to Bali bombings released

According to a government spokesperson, Bashir was released at around 5:30 a.m. (22:30 GMT January 7), as his family had requested an early release time to "avoid crowds" due to his elderly age and risk of contracting COVID-19.

Bashir, 82, who is regarded as the spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah (JI), a jihadist network with ties to al Qaeda, was imprisoned in 2011 for 15 years for his links to a militant training camp in Aceh province.

After receiving periodic reductions in his jail term, Indonesia's law and human rights ministry has said he has now completed his sentence.