Muslims press for execution of three Christians on death-row

Sep 17, 2006, 7:45 GMT

Jakarta - Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets in Jakarta on Sunday, demanding the government carry out the death sentences pending against three Christians for murders during the sectarian conflicts in central Sulawesi province six years ago.

Members of an Islamic hardliner group Hizbut Tahrir, demonstrated in downtown Jakarta, urging the immediate execution of the three before the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, witnesses said.

The fasting month of Ramadan was due to start on September 24.

Fabianus Tibo, 60, Marianus Riwu, 48, and Dominggus da Silva, 42, were sentenced to death in 2001. There were found guilty of leading a Christian militia that launched a series of attacks on Muslims in May 2000 including a gun and machete assault that killed at least 70 people who had taken refuge in an Islamic school. Muslim groups put the toll at 191.

'We are demanding the execution of these three men to be carried out before the beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan,' shouted Ismail Yusanto, spokesman for the Hizbut Tahrir.

'Tibo and his two other colleagues have alrady been sentenced to death in line with the prevailing laws, so there is no reason to continue postpone the execution,' Yusanto said.

After a series of challenges to the convictions of the three Christians, a final appeal for a presidential pardon was denied in November and the execution was set for August 12.

But then a last-minute stay was granted after Pope Benedict XVI sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono - although the government insists the decision was made for 'technical reasons.'

No new date has been announced, but authorities said the executions will take place despite a new request for a presidential pardon.

The case is heightening tensions and raising questions about the role of religion in deciding punishment for sectarian violence that swept through Central Sulawesi province from 1998 to 2002, killing more than 1,000 people from both communities. A handful of Muslims also were sentenced for killings, but they only got jail time.

Indonesia's attorney general and the national police chief insist the Christian men got a fair trial, with 28 witnesses providing testimony. Some legal experts, however, say the country's judiciary is corrupt and susceptible to outside influence.

In addition of the execution of the three, the Sunday protestors also demanded the government shut down all nightspots across the country during the fasting month of Ramadan. They also called for stern legal measures against any nightspots that fail to comply.

In the capital Jakarta, the city authorities allowed karaoke and other entertainments to open their business from 10 p.m. until midnight. During the ordinary business, many nightspots were opened for 24 hours.

Nearly 88 per cent of Indonesia's 220 million people were Muslims, making it the most populous Muslim nation.