Bali bombing survivor's shock as terrorist walks free weeks from 20th anniversary
One of the terrorists behind the horrific 2002 Bali bombing attacks will be released after just serving half of his 20 year sentence behind bars.
The terror attack saw bombs detonated at three locations in Bali and left 202 people dead, including 88 Australians.
Now, authorities say Umar Patek - one of the masterminds known as "the bomb-maker" - has walked free from jail just weeks out from the attack's 20th anniversary, because authorities say he is now reformed.
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Bali bombing survivor Jan Laczynski told Today he was shocked terrorist Umar Patek has walked free after serving just half his 20 year jail sentence. Today
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But Jan Laczynski, who survived the bombing at the Sari Club nightspot, told Today it isn't a surprise Patek is walking free so soon.
"It is a bit of a shock to think it is less than half his sentence, but it is a common theme - most of these Bali bombers seem to be walking out in a little under half their time," he said.
"Last year we had Bashir walk out of jail, which was a tough thing to watch, and now at the 20th anniversary of the bombing, this guy is about to walk out.
"The demolition man, as he is known. It is awful, it is a horrible thing at the moment."
Laczynski, who was present at the trials of a number of the terrorists involved in the Bali bombings, told Today the news of another one being released early to live his life freely will not sit well with Australians, considering so many lost their lives.
Bali bombing bomb maker Umar Patek is set to walk free from prison weeks before the 20th anniversary of the bombings. Composite
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"Their families are still suffering. As we lead up to the 20th anniversary, a lot of people are going to be devastated by this news, and this guy should not be going out unsupervised, unmonitored," he said.
"I hope this person is going to be monitored, wherever he steps, wherever he goes, he should not be going out unsupervised with the knowledge that he has with explosives and chemicals."
Watch the full interview with Jan above
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