ABC AUSTRALIA, 07/04/2006 22:58:35 AEST
Three Christians to face execution over deadly attacks in
Indonesia?
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has denied clemency to three
Christians sentenced to death for their roles in religious violence in Central Sulawesi.
Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva and Marianus Riwu, leaders of a Christian militia
group, were sentenced to death in 2003 for leading several deadly attacks on Muslims
in the religiously-divided district of Poso.
Two higher courts rejected their appeals and Mr Yudhoyono also denied an earlier
request for clemency.
"The president has given his instruction to uphold the law, therefore the legal
authorities will proceed with the necessary technical" procedures, political and
security minister Widodo Adisucipto said.
"All legal avenues have been used, including the presidential pardon," he said.
Indonesian police said on Thursday they had prepared a firing squad to execute the
three men and were awaiting instructions from provincial prosecutors.
A legal aid group said last month it had evidence showing that 16 people, not the
three men, had masterminded the violence.
Prosecutors had said one of the attacks blamed on the men included a massacre of
more than 200 students and teachers at an Islamic boarding school.
Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of compassion to the prisoners.
© 2006 ABC |
