Bali bombers say ready for firing squad

By Heri Retnowati

BATU PRISON, NUSAKAMBANGAN, Indonesia (Reuters) - The three Indonesians sentenced to die for the 2002 Bali blasts, which killed more than 200 people, say they are ready to be executed and their only regret is that Muslims died in the attack.

The three militants -- Imam Samudra, Mukhlas and Amrozi, who was dubbed "the smiling bomber" because of his constant grin during the trial -- are being held at Indonesia's top security Batu Prison off the southern coast of Java.

They met their relatives on Monday in what is likely to be the last such visit before they are executed by firing squad. No date has been announced for the executions, but a security source says they are expected within two months.

"People ask me, why am I smiling? I am happy because I will be united with 72 angels" in heaven, said Amrozi in an interview with Reuters and a local television network.

"In the past I have killed many with my bombs. I have been tested by spending time in this prison, but if you make infidels angry you will be rewarded. And soon I will enjoy the fruit of my deeds, if I get executed, God willing," added Amrozi, who was grinning and had grown a wispy beard.

The three men, wearing traditional Muslim skull caps, met family members in the visitors' hall, watched by 20 security officers carrying rifles and surrounded by bulletproof glass. They appeared happy and in good health.

The two blasts on Bali's Kuta strip on October 12, 2002, one at Paddy's Bar, the other at the Sari Club, killed 202 including 88 Australians and 38 Indonesian citizens, and devastated the resort island's tourist industry.

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