Gary Dean - Posts

Ethno-Religious Conflict in Maluku

 – A manufactured war

> "Tragically again, of the approximately 20 Christians who were killed [by Muslims] in the village of Benteng Karang, 15 of them were them were burnt alive. One of them was Mrs Rina Serpiela, a six-month pregnant woman who was killed by having her belly ripped open and the foetus pulled out and burnt alongside her. This event was witnessed by her husband, Yopy Serpiela. Meanwhile her two-year old child was kidnapped and used as a shield by the attackers from the rocks thrown by the defending Christians." [1] In the absence of any other facts, the above passage would -- for most normal people -- inflame the emotions to the point of hatred towards the perpetrators of this violence. In this case, the perpetrators are called "Muslims". It has been said that the first casualty of war is the truth. This is no less true for the inter-communal war currently raging in Maluku. 'F

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