Indonesia jails its first female would-be suicide bomber

An Indonesian woman who was planning to blow herself up outside Jakarta's presidential palace has been jailed for seven and a half years. 

Dian Yulia Novi, 28, (Pictured middle beside her husband)was arrested late last year on suspicion of plotting to blow herself up outside the palace during the changing of the guard. She was arrested along with her husband, Muhamad Nur Solikin.

It is the first time a woman has been convicted in Indonesia for planning such an attack. 

Prosecutors had demanded a 10-year sentence for Novi, whom they said received instructions to carry out the attack from Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian militant believed to be fighting with Islamic State in Syria.
Novi's lawyer said Monday:

 'Her sentence was reduced because she admitted to her actions.' 

Judges delivered the verdict earlier than expected because Novi is pregnant and due to give birth in early September, her lawyer said.
Her husband is on trial for the same plot. His next hearing, at which he is expected to enter a plea, is scheduled for September 6.
Kamsi said Novi, who was believed to be radicalized through social media while employed as a domestic worker in Taiwan, did not intend to appeal her verdict.

Daily Mail