Responding to suicide bombings in three churches in Indonesia’s second largest city of Surabaya, East Java, that killed at least 13 people and injured around 40 others, Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid said:
“We are all deeply shocked by the bomb attacks in Surabaya this morning. We grieve with those who lost loved ones, and stand united with those opposing terror with freedom, fairness and the respect for human rights. The deliberate targeting and killing of women, men, and children going about their daily lives can never be justified and shows complete contempt for the most fundamental principles of human rights.”
“Those responsible must be brought to justice in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness and without resort to the death penalty.”
Background
On May 13, the three separate explosions, carried by suicide bombers consisting of a father, two sons aged 18 and 16, a mother as well as two children aged 12 and nine, destroyed parts of the three churches, which are located in the center of the city. Several vehicles such as motorbikes, cars as well as the local places, were also damaged.
Although no group has yet claimed responsibility, these attacks constitute a clear violation of national laws and abuse of the human rights to life and to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Indonesian authorities must immediately carry out an impartial and effective investigation in order to bring those responsible to justice, while ensuring that their response is in compliance with Indonesia’s obligations under international human rights law.
The attacks took place just days after a deadly riot at the National Police’s Mobile Brigade (Mako Brimob) detention center in Kelapa Dua, Depok, West Java, that hosted 156 terror prisoners, on May 8 killed five security forces and one terror detainee.
