Post by krazeeboi on Sept 20, 2006 2:59:31 GMT -5
Indonesia tightens security for Christians' execution
Reuters
Wednesday, September 20, 2006; 12:39 AM
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia has tightened security in Central Sulawesi province ahead of the execution of three Christians convicted of leading a mob that killed Muslims six years ago, police said on Wednesday.
The three men -- Fabianus Tibo, Marianus Riwu and Dominggus Silva -- are due to face a firing squad on Thursday in the provincial capital, Palu, a move that many fear could spark fresh religious tensions in the area.
The poor farmers were sentenced to death in 2001 after being found guilty of leading Christian mobs in a series of attacks that killed about 200 people, including over 70 at an Islamic boarding school, during Muslim-Christian clashes in Poso region.
About 4,000 police and soldiers have been deployed in Palu, said provincial police spokesman Muhammad Kilat.
"We are increasing our vigilance to anticipate any untoward incidents," he said, adding that so far there were no signs of a major protest rally against the executions.
In recent weeks, there have been sporadic attacks, mainly targeting Christians, in Poso. Two people were killed this month in two separate bomb blasts in Poso.
The exact time and location for the executions are not disclosed.
The men were scheduled to face a firing squad last month but the decision was delayed after demonstrations by thousands of Indonesians, and an appeal from Pope Benedict.
There have been protests and counter-protests by Muslims and Christians for and against the execution. Earlier this month, thousands of Christians rallied to demand the execution be canceled.
The men appealed for presidential clemency for a second time last month. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono rejected their appeals for a pardon last year and there has been no indication he will change his mind this time.
Indonesia last carried out an execution in March last year when a woman in East Java province was put to death in a multiple murder and mutilation case.
Muslim-Christian clashes erupted in Central Sulawesi from late 1998 to 2001, killing an estimated 2,000 before a peace accord took effect.
Three Islamic militants have also been sentenced to death for their leading roles in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 people.
The attorney-general's office said on August 21 their executions would be delayed for a judicial review planned by defense lawyers.
Around 85 percent of Indonesia's 220 million people follow Islam, but some areas in eastern Indonesia have roughly equal proportions of Muslims and Christians.
Reuters
Wednesday, September 20, 2006; 12:39 AM
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia has tightened security in Central Sulawesi province ahead of the execution of three Christians convicted of leading a mob that killed Muslims six years ago, police said on Wednesday.
The three men -- Fabianus Tibo, Marianus Riwu and Dominggus Silva -- are due to face a firing squad on Thursday in the provincial capital, Palu, a move that many fear could spark fresh religious tensions in the area.
The poor farmers were sentenced to death in 2001 after being found guilty of leading Christian mobs in a series of attacks that killed about 200 people, including over 70 at an Islamic boarding school, during Muslim-Christian clashes in Poso region.
About 4,000 police and soldiers have been deployed in Palu, said provincial police spokesman Muhammad Kilat.
"We are increasing our vigilance to anticipate any untoward incidents," he said, adding that so far there were no signs of a major protest rally against the executions.
In recent weeks, there have been sporadic attacks, mainly targeting Christians, in Poso. Two people were killed this month in two separate bomb blasts in Poso.
The exact time and location for the executions are not disclosed.
The men were scheduled to face a firing squad last month but the decision was delayed after demonstrations by thousands of Indonesians, and an appeal from Pope Benedict.
There have been protests and counter-protests by Muslims and Christians for and against the execution. Earlier this month, thousands of Christians rallied to demand the execution be canceled.
The men appealed for presidential clemency for a second time last month. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono rejected their appeals for a pardon last year and there has been no indication he will change his mind this time.
Indonesia last carried out an execution in March last year when a woman in East Java province was put to death in a multiple murder and mutilation case.
Muslim-Christian clashes erupted in Central Sulawesi from late 1998 to 2001, killing an estimated 2,000 before a peace accord took effect.
Three Islamic militants have also been sentenced to death for their leading roles in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 people.
The attorney-general's office said on August 21 their executions would be delayed for a judicial review planned by defense lawyers.
Around 85 percent of Indonesia's 220 million people follow Islam, but some areas in eastern Indonesia have roughly equal proportions of Muslims and Christians.