Son of Nik Aziz Nik Mat

Its almost Eid-al-Fitr, and in the Muslim world that means time for amnesties and reprieves.

In Malaysia, where they call it Hari Raya, Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa, one Mr. Nik Adli Nik Aziz has been released from his five years of detention without trial. Mr. Nik Aziz is a Malaysian and was definitely a mujahideen fighter in Afghanistan during the Soviet era. But he was arrested (before 9/11) for allegedly being a member of a shadowy group, perhaps linked to Jemaah Islamiah, called Malaysian Mujahideen. He has been held under the Malaysian Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial. No evidence against him has ever been introduced to the public. The ISA was first introduced in 1948 by the British rulers nervous about the Communist Party of Malaysia. It has since been renewed by independent Malaysia.

This is doubly interesting because as his name suggests, he is the son of Nik Aziz Nik Mat, spiritual leader and chief exhorter of Malaysia's opposition Islamic party, Partai Islam seMalaysia. Mr. Nik Mat has disapproved of many things such as secular government, Dr. Mahathir, Mr. Anwar Ibrihim, lipstick, darkness in theatres, and, sadly, even the Teapot Cult.

In Indonesia, where Eid-al-Fitr is also called Lebaran, jails will release a total of 33 people convicted for playing minor roles (like bank robbery) connected with the 2002 Bali bombings. However, the three men sentenced to death for it will still be executed -- probably this month. Indonesia does not have amnesty for life or death sentences. Schapelle Corby may receive a 2-month cut in her 20-year sentence to a jail in Bali.