Australia fears violent backlash to Bashir verdict

Australia fears violent backlash to Bashir verdict

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia would be updating threat assessments on Friday, fearing a possible terrorism attack after the conviction of fiery Muslim preacher Abu Bakar Bashir over the 2002 Bali bombings, Australia's top police officer said.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said authorities could not rule out a violent backlash to Bashir being found guilty of an "evil conspiracy" to commit the bombings.

"That's always on the cards. We were concerned about this at the time of his arrest because he is such a significant figure," Keelty told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.