CSW deeply saddened at execution of three Catholic Christians in Indonesia

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is deeply saddened that the Indonesian authorities executed three Catholic Christians last night, despite an international campaign calling for clemency, and urges the Indonesian authorities to act quickly to stem further violence.

Fabianus Tibo, 60, Dominggus da Silva, 39, and Marinus Riwu, 48, were accused of masterminding the sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi and for leading a violent attack against an Islamic school in 2000. At their trial Muslim witnesses spoke out in their defence and both Muslim and Christian leaders called for the stay of execution and re-trial.

The men were originally due to be executed on 12 August 2006, but were granted a stay of execution following international pressure. The EU and others were vocal in their opposition to the death penalty for the men and Pope Benedict XVI also appealed to President Yudhoyono on ‘humanitarian grounds’.

The Attorney-General for Central Sulawesi, Mohammad Yahya Sibe, and the Chief of Police, Brig. Gen. Oegroseno, were subsequently replaced, reportedly because they favoured a stay of execution and retrial for the three men – a move strongly opposed by militant Islamist leaders in the region. Only a few days notice was given of the decision to execute the three men at this time.

Human rights organisations, including CSW, have raised concerns over the discrepancy in sentencing Christians and Muslims involved in the violence. Whilst Muslims have also been arrested, no Muslim has received a significantly severe sentence. For example, no arrests have been made following the attack and beheading of three Christian schoolgirls in Sulawesi last October.

Rinaldy Damanik, the leader of the Central Sulawesi Christian Church, has said he is resigning in protest at the killings.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide Advocacy Director, Alexa Papadouris, says: “The execution of these three Catholic Christians is deeply saddening and concerning, and our thoughts are with their families at this time. The case has raised concerns that the severity of sentences given to those who were accused of involvement in the violence has varied widely between Christians and Muslims. We urge the Indonesian authorities to act with wisdom to restore peace following these executions and we call on them to act fairly and promote justice for those still detained following the violence in 2000.”