ASIA/INDONESIA - Three Indonesian Catholics to be executed in 36 hours time, dawn 22 September. The world hopes for a suspension, Indonesia’s Christians immersed in prayer call on President to grant reprieve

Wednesday, 20 September 2006

Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - There is little hope of saving the lives of Fabianus Tibo, Domingus Da Silva, and Marinus Riwu, three Indonesian Catholics facing a death sentence. The execution has been set for dawn on 22 September, (9pm 21 September in Europe). The defence lawyers say the three men who will face a firing squad have been officially informed.
Indonesian Christians heard the news with dismay because according to the country’s law once a request for reprieve has been sent to the President a suspended execution can only be enforced after the President has spoken. If the three men in question are executed the law will be violated. The defence lawyers have presented the case to the International Penal Court in Geneva.
In the meantime numerous requests for a reprieve are being sent to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Local Christians in Poso are organising protest marches in Indonesia and the police forces have stepped up measures to prevent disorder.
Yesterday evening three Indonesian prelates, Bishop Vincentius Sensi of Maumere, Archbishop Nicolaus Adi Seputra of Merauke and Bishop John Philip Saklil of Timika - presently in Rome for a study seminar for new bishops organised by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples -took part in a Prayer Vigil organised in the city by the S. Egidio Community. Those present at the prayer vigil, besides expressing sadness for the measure considered to be hasty and unjust and motivated by political interests, reconfirmed commitment to obtaining the abolition of the death penalty and called on the President of Indonesia to grant the men a reprieve. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/9/2006 righe 26 parole 269)


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