Zainudin Nasir, an Islamic militant, was sentenced to twenty years jail for involvement in attacks on Christians in Ambon.

Associated Press reports that Nasir, who was too ill to be present for the sentencing hearing, was punished for his role in a series of attacks against Christians between May 2004 and April 2005 that killed eight civilians and five policemen. He also was convicted of illegal possession of firearms used in the attacks.

A three-judge panel presided by Judge John Teleuw ruled that Nasir participated in an attack on the village of Wamkama on Buru Island, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Ambon. The attack, which occurred in May 2004, resulted in the deaths of three Christians.

Both the prosecution and the defence have one week to decide if they will appeal.

Previously his accomplice in the attack, Asep Djaja, had been sentenced to death, in February 2006.