Benteng Reges

After several postponements, the authorities have set the execution date of the three Indonesian Catholics. This was confirmed today by their defence team. Rumour has it that large protest rallies will be held in Palu and Poso: police have stepped up security measures.

Members of their legal team said the Court in Geneva has the power to review the verdict of capital punishment. Yet more rumours have fixed the execution date for shortly after the sacred month of Ramadan.

Concern is growing that a new terror strategy may involve attacks against small targets. In western Sulawesi police discovers material used in making explosive devices, detains at least five suspects.

Indonesia's national police chief said so yesterday after a meeting behind closed doors in parliament. Violence continues in Sulawesi, where a bomb has killed a local Christian.

Under the banner 'Poso's Muslim Friendship and Struggle', some 4,000 demonstrators shut down the city's schools, businesses and public transit. They demand the government not hesitate to carry out the sentence against the three Catholics "as required by law".

As of today General Oegroseno is no longer Central Sulawesi police Chief. He favoured the stay of execution for the three Catholics sentenced to death to better investigate the real culprits for the Poso sectarian clashes of 1999-2000. Now there are fears that the fate of the three men might be sealed and that peace in the province may be in danger.

Indonesian law stipulates that convicts facing execution should be kept apart in a special cell. The decision has rekindled hopes for Tibo and his friends but the Attorney General has assured a new date would soon be set for their execution.

The archbishop of Jakarta drew attention to moral decadence arising from the desire for money and power. He urged Indonesian Catholics to become standard bearers of social morals and behaviour that are subject to ethical laws.

Defence attorneys slams the ruling, callling it illegal because the decision is up to the president. Thousands continue to call for the sentence to be overturned. Some accuse the government of "intentionally" planning to execute the three Catholics at the same time as the Bali terrorists.

The official, who was supposed to set new execution date today, was suspended on Sunday. Pressure is mounting on President Susilo to spare the lives of Tibo and his fellow prisoners.

Authorities will set new execution day for Tibo and his two comrades. Islamic terrorists involved in Bali bombing will not instead be executed pending a final appeal to the Supreme Court.

But many Christian and Muslim leaders, trade unions and NGOs are asking that their death penalty be revoked. Extremists believe the government "should not listen to others" from abroad.