Threats to kill Australians
20mar03
AN Islamic group notorious for its raids on Jakarta nightspots has told
Australians, Americans and Britons to leave Indonesia before allied forces
enter Iraq.
The Front Pembela Islam has labelled citizens from countries who have
joined the allied forces "kafir harbi", an Arabic term for non-Muslims who
can be legally killed.
"When the attack happens the allies will face thousands of new Osama bin
Ladens who will destroy US interests around the world," said FPI chairman
Habib Rizieq. "Every citizen who directly supports the US is considered
kafir harbi."
National Police Chief Da'i Bachtiar said his entire force of 250,000
officers would be on alert, while every embassy in Jakarta would be given
extra security.
Mr Rizieq said he had seen news from Australia of popular protest against
Australian military involvement in Iraq. "Not all (allied) citizens are
bad, that's why we will give them warning for their safety to leave
Indonesia immediately," he said.
The declaration came after a weekend meeting of the FPI at a university
campus in Jakarta.
While FPI has not fulfilled previous vows to "sweep" the city for
foreigners, its raids on gambling dens and nightclubs have led many
analysts to believe it works as a militia arm of the police to exact
extortion fees.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6154043%255E662,00
.html
