Posted 28 August 2006 @ 14:11
Updated 28 August 2006 @ 14:36
JAKARTA, 28 August 2006 - Three Christian militants facing execution in Indonesia after being convicted of leading a mob that killed Muslims have made a fresh appeal to the president for clemency, a presidential spokesman said on Monday. The three had sent a letter to the office of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said.
Yudhoyono rejected the men's appeals for a pardon last year and there has been no indication he will intervene this time. Fabianus Tibo, Marianus Riwu and Dominggus Silva had been due to face a firing squad earlier this month at a secret location in Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi province. The trio were given an 11th hour reprieve as officials wanted to concentrate on preparations for Aug. 17 independence day celebrations.
The delay also came after demonstrations against the planned executions by thousands of Indonesians, and a plea by Pope Benedict for clemency. No new date for the execution has been made public, but officials have said the death sentence will be carried out. Muslim-Christian clashes raged in Central Sulawesi from late 1998 to 2001, killing 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 Aug. 21 their executions would be delayed for a judicial review planned by defence 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.
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