At least 153 Muslims were being protected by soldiers and police after being attacked early Tuesday by Christians in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua, an official said.
They fled to a military post and police station after coming under attack as the local Muslim minority was about to perform morning prayers Tuesday, the Social Affairs Ministry said.
July 21, 2015 4:06 pm
Jakarta (dpa) – At least 153 Muslims were being protected by soldiers and police after being attacked early Tuesday by Christians in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Papua, an official said.
They fled to a military post and police station after coming under attack as the local Muslim minority was about to perform morning prayers Tuesday, the Social Affairs Ministry said.
The mosque and 63 shophouses were torched in the Christian-majority province.
Police fire shots to disperse the crowd, killing one and injuring 11 others. National police chief General Badrodin Haiti said it was necessary to use force because the rioters continued their attack.
He also said they were violating the country’s legally protected freedom of religion.
“It was the police manifestation to uphold the constitution,” he said. “The 12 victims were shot because they put themselves at risk in violating human rights and the constitution.”
