Amnesty International Callls For Investigation Into Sampang Violence

Jakarta, Aug 28 (ANTARA) - Amnesty International calls for a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the latest violence against Shiite Muslims in Sampang, Madura Island, East Java, last Sunday. Those suspected of involvement must be brought to justice in accordance with international fair trial standards and the authorities must ensure that victims receive reparations, the Amnesty International said in a press statement sent from London, on Monday. "This brutal attack on the Shiite followers reflect the continued failure of the Indonesian government to protect religious minorities from intimidation and attacks and to hold the perpetrators accountable," the Amnesty International stated. Two Shiite followers were killed and dozens injured after an attack by an anti-Shiite mob at the Karang Gayam village, in Sampang, on 26 August 2012. The mob also reportedly burnt dozens of houses in the village. In a previous attack by an anti-Shia mob of some 500 people on the same community in December 2011, only one person was charged and sentenced to three months imprisonment for the attack. The mob set fire to a place of worship, boarding school and various homes in the vicinity. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR, Indonesia has an obligation to ensure the right to life, security and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment, the Amnesty International stated. Under Article 2(1) of the ICCPR, such protection must be provided without discrimination including on the basis of religion. Amnesty International also calls on the Indonesian police to immediate protect the community and put in place a pro-active strategy for preventing and addressing incidents of religiously based violence.