Delayed execution stirs controversy

Ruslan Sangadji and Yemris Fointuna
The Jakarta Post
Palu/Kupang

The decision to grant three men in Central Sulawesi a stay of execution has caused much controversy, with legislators suggesting they be moved to another prison and protesters in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, demanding their lives be spared.

Legislator Ali Muchtar Ngabalin, who sits on House of Representatives Commission I for political affairs, said Fabianus Tibo, Marinus Riwu and Dominggus da Silva should be transferred to Nusakambangan Penitentiary in Central Java to isolate them from external influences or pressures.

The government delayed the execution of the three men by firing squad just hours before it was due to be held at 12:15 a.m. Saturday. They were sentenced to death for inciting riots in connection with sectarian violence in Poso in 2000, in which 191 people, mostly Muslims, were killed.

"As the case developed, Tibo made many conflicting statements, that's why they should be detained in a neutral environment," he told The Jakarta Post by phone Monday.

Initially, he said, Tibo did not deny claims that 16 other people were responsible for instigating the violence in Poso. But he later revoked his statement, changing the 16 people to 10.

"These conflicting statements mean someone has been feeding him information," Ali said.

He said Tibo had also changed his mind about some of the names he had given police.

"So, Nusakambangan is the right place for Tibo and his friends."

Ali questioned the government's move to delay the execution for a third time. "There should be an honest explanation," he said.

Tibo's family in Palu said they were thankful for the extra time.

His wife, Nurlin Kasiala, managed a smile for reporters Monday, while his children, Robert and Angki, appeared relaxed.

"But our fight is not yet over, we're still worried," Robert said.

The three convicts are being held in adjacent isolation rooms.

Muslim students and activists in Poso have raised plan to protest against the decision to delay the execution Monday.

"... We'll see if the government stands by its decision to carry out the execution after the Independence Day celebrations. If it's postponed again, we'll stage a massive rally," said Muhammad Syarif, the chairman of the Palu Islamic Students Association.

Independence Day is celebrated on Aug. 17.

Protesters in Kupang, angered by the stay of the execution,obstructed main thoroughfares and burned tires Monday.

They congregated outside the East Nusa Tenggara Prosecutor's Office, demanding that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono grant clemency to the three men.

Tibo, they said, had been led "like a lamb to the slaughter" for political interests.

"The masterminds of the bloody incident have been exposed in new evidence presented by the three death-row convicts in their appeal. Why aren't they brought to justice...," said protest coordinator Kristo.