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Indonesia: Ahmadiyah killings verdicts will not stem discrimination
Amnesty International Statement - July 28, 2011
The verdicts imposed against 12 people accused of killing 3 members of the Ahmadi community in Indonesia, show that religious minorities face ongoing discrimination, said Amnesty International today.
Earlier today, a court in Serang District, Banten sentenced 10 men and 2 boys to three to six months' imprisonment for their involvement in the killing of three Ahmadis.
Three members of the Ahmadiyah community were beaten to death on 6 February this year when a 1,000 strong mob wielding rocks, machetes, swords and spears stormed the house of an Ahmadi leader in Cikeusik, Banten.
"The attacks in Cikeusik sent a frightening signal to religious minorities in Indonesia," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Director. "These verdicts do not indicate that the government is treating attacks against religious minorities, especially the Ahmadiyah, as seriously."
"The government must show its willingness to stem the rising tide of discrimination and abuse against the Ahmadis and other religious minorities," he added.
The Ahmadiyah are a religious group who consider themselves a part of Islam, although many Muslim groups say they do not adhere to the accepted belief system.
Amnesty International has documented numerous cases of intimidation and violence against the Ahmadiyah community by radical Islamist groups in various parts of Indonesia. These include attacks and burning of Ahmadiyah places of worship and homes.
The Ahmadiyah community are also discriminated against in law, including by a 2008 joint ministerial decree forbidding the Ahmadiyah from promoting their activities.
In September 2010, Indonesia's Minister of Religion, Suryadharma Ali, called for the Ahmadiyah to be banned. Several provinces across Indonesia have also brought in local regulations restricting the group's activities.
The decrees include prohibiting the Ahmadiyah from distributing pamphlets, putting signs in front of their offices and places of worship, as well as forbidding them from wearing anything to indicate that they are Ahmadiyah members.
"It is crucial that the Indonesian authorities ensure the protection of the Ahmadis from any kind of intimidation or attacks. President Yudhoyono's government must also immediately repeal the joint ministerial decree and revoke local regulations that restrict their activities," Sam Zarifi said.
"It is high time that Indonesia develops a concrete strategy to strengthen respect for freedom of religion and religious tolerance, which has clearly deteriorated in recent years," he added.
In most cases, those who commit acts of violence against the Ahmadiyah are not punished and the authorities often blame the minority for "deviant views" when attacks occur.
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