Malaysia charges two suspects over Selangor nightclub blast

Malaysian anti-terrorism police escort two suspected ISIS militants Imam Wahyudin and Jonius Ondie to the courthouse in Petaling Jaya, on July 25, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia on Monday (July 25) charged two suspects involved in a grenade attack at a night club in Selangor last month, which left eight people injured.

The attack occurred in the early hours of June 28 as patrons at the Movida restaurant-bar in Puchong, Selangor were watching a Euro 2016 match.

The two suspects were Imam Wahyudin Karjono, 21, who is unemployed, and 24-year-old factory operator Jonius Ondie. They pleaded guilty to eight counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of firearms in the Sessions Court.

They were also accused of having a hand grenade.

Earlier in a magistrate's court, Imam Wahyudin and Jonius Ondie were each charged on two counts of committing and commissioning the act of terrorism. No plea was recorded from them.

Sessions judge Azhaniz Teh Azman explained that the two were guilty of throwing a hand grenade (fuse lever type Fuze M213) which caused grievous injuries to the victims.

When asked if they had anything to say, Imam Wahyudin replied 'nothing' while Jonius Ondie shook his head.

The two, who face a jail term of up to 14 years and no less than six strokes of the cane, appeared unfazed when they were brought from the magistrate's court to the Sessions court.

Public prosecutor Roslan Mat Nor asked that no bail be given to the accused.

Malaysian authorities have said the blast is the first successful attack by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group in the country.

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