Indonesia Tightens Security as Christians await Execution

Indonesia has tightened security in Central Sulawesi province ahead of the execution of three Christians convicted of leading a mob that killed Muslims six years ago, police said on Wednesday.

The three men - Fabianus Tibo, Marianus Riwu and Domingus da Silva - are due to face a firing squad on Thursday in the provincial capital, Palu, a move that many fear could spark fresh religious tensions in the area.

About 4,000 police and soldiers have been deployed in Palu, said provincial police spokesman Muhammad Kilat.

"We are increasing our vigilance to anticipate any untoward incidents," he said, adding that so far there were no signs of a major protest rally against the executions.

The men's execution was delayed in mid-August after a plea for clemency from Pope Benedict XVI and demonstrations by thousands of Indonesian Christians.

Pope Benedict had called on Indonesia to stop the imminent execution, as thousands of Indonesians held a prayer vigil in opposition to the death sentences.

Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Sodano said on behalf of the Pope that clemency should be granted 'on humanitarian grounds' for the three men who were found guilty of leading a Christian mob in an attack which killed more than 200 people during Muslim-Christian clashes in the province's Poso region.

"In the name of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, I turn to you again ... in order that an act of clemency might be granted to these three Catholic citizens of your nation," a letter addressed to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said.

In addition, thousands of Christians held a rally in the Poso town of Tentena to oppose the execution.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, has said, "We urge the international community to act immediately to stop the execution of these three men. There is substantial evidence to support calls for a re-trial and at a time where relations between different faith communities are tense, we fear these executions will be exploited by those wanting to antagonise the situation."

Lawyers for the three men, Fabianus Tibo, Marianus Riwu and Dominggus Silva, said provincial prosecutors delivered a letter saying the executions would take place on Thursday 21 September, though one report said it could take place on Friday.

Attorney General Abdul Rachman Saleh told reporters the letter, delivered late on Monday, said the men would be shot in 72 hours time.

The men say they are innocent of the charges that they masterminded a series of attacks on the Muslim community in the Central Sulawesi district of Poso in 2000, killing at least 70 people.