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Bishop criticizes police response

Says local officers failed to take appropriate measures to contain and stop violence
Bishop criticizes police response
Published: September 14, 2011 10:23 AM GMT
Updated: September 14, 2011 10:23 AM GMT

A bishop in Ambon has accused local police officials in the Maluku provincial capital of not taking appropriate action to prevent clashes between Christians and Muslims that left at least six people dead and more than 185 injured. Sacred Heart Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Amboina said police failed to respond quickly to prevent the outbreak of violence after the death of a Muslim man. “The death of a motorcycle taxi driver due to a road accident should have been dealt with immediately. It should have been clarified through the media or explained to religious leaders openly through a press conference so that the incident could not have been used to attack other groups.” Rumors that the taxi driver had been murdered by Christians created a violent standoff between the two groups that erupted into violence on September 11 during a funeral service for the deceased. “Never assign an incompetent police commander to Ambon. There is a history of conflicts here.” Local media reports quoted Maluku police chief Brigadier General Syarief Gunawan as saying that local police had been deployed elsewhere prior to the clashes, and that Indonesian military personnel had been called in to help with restoring peace. Police and soldiers have remained on guard in the area to ensure no further conflicts. Related reports: Joint statement welcomes calm Sectarian clashes recur in Ambon

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