Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Muslim religious leaders and intellectuals who took part in the recent Inter-religious Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi organised by the S. Egidio Community, addressed a letter to the president of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asking him to make a gesture of clemency for three Catholics Fabianus Tibo, Domingus Da Silva, Marinus Riwu, awaiting execution, after a first suspension ordered on 12 August.
The appeal was signed by Iranian Ayatollah Muhammad Ali Tashiri, judge Dr. El Halabi Abbas, Dr. Mohammad Sammak, political adviser to the Grand Mufti of Lebanon and another Lebanese Dr. Saoud El Maolua, a member of the Shamseddine Foundation for Dialogue. S. Egidio spokesman said the leaders called for an act of clemency underlining “that justice is a principle of Islam”. Here is the appeal:
“We are Muslim scholars and activists who gathered from different parts of the world to participate in the annual Interreligious Conference Organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio — Italy. We, as devout Muslims from different denominations, out of our belief in the teachings of Islam, that respect human life and the dignity of human beings, and which preaches dialogue and respect of differences between peoples of all faiths;
We, as Muslims proud of Indonesia not only as the biggest Islamic country, but also as an open and tolerant Islamic Community that respects constitutionally the rights of all other believers as Islam says; We appeal to your Excellency, Mr. President, to reconsider on religious and humanitarian basis of justice and equality between all citizens in front of the law the verdict issued against the three Christian Indonesian citizens.
We believe, Mr. President, that a gesture of mercy that comes from you in the name of all the Indonesian great nation, will focus a very good image of Islam all over the world, and will prove again that justice is a fundamental basis in Islam, and that the people of the Book, Christians and Jews, enjoy a high status of respect, love and admiration as the Holy Koran says. We are sure, Mr. President, that by responding positively to our appeal to you, you will give us a great push in our efforts during this international Conference and in other meetings to give a constructive and positive image of Islam that we all believe in. God bless you, Mr. President, and your people, and your country.” This appeal is one of many from various part of the world call in support of an appeal for a reprieve addressed on 25 August to the President Yudhoyono by the lawyers of the three men. According to Indonesian maw an execution remains suspended until the president comes to a decision. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2006 righe 28 parole 287)
