Islamic extremists have confessed to beheading three Christian schoolgirls in Poso, Sulawesi island in Indonesia, report Compass Direct.
The bloody murders were committed in October 2005, and five suspected terrorists were arrested on 5th May 2006 in Tolitoli regency, Central Sulawesi.The five suspects are: Apriyantono, alias Irwan; Arman, alias Haris; Asrudin, Nano and Abdul Muis, according to The Jakarta Post.
A national police spokesman, Brigadier General Anton Bachrul Alam told reporters, “Two of the arrested men were involved in the murders. Another was detained for carrying ammunition, while the other two were arrested as accessories to the crimes.”
There also another two additional suspects that have not yet been publicly identified, report Compass Direct.
An Associated Press report had previously said two of the seven suspects were associates of Noordin Top, a key leader of the home-grown terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The police spokesman, however, has since insisted that, “it’s certain they weren’t involved with Noordin.”
All seven men have confessed to playing a role in the beheadings of the three Christian teenagers, according to Associated Press.This is a sickening and horrific attack on innocent schoolgirls. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in such a brutal attack.
Tina Lambert, Advocacy Director CSW
At around 6:30 a.m. on 29th October 2005, the men attacked four girls – Theresia Morangke, aged 15; Alfita Poliwo, 17; Yarni Sambue, 15; and Noviana Malewa, 15 – as they walked to a Christian school in Poso district. The first three girls were beheaded; Noviana Malewa received serious injuries to her face and neck but survived the attack. Noviana was able to survive and describe in detail her attackers to police.
The heads of the three were later found inside plastic bags near a church and a police station, with a warning written on them that another 100 Christian teenagers would be killed, Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported.
