News March 2002

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IRLA Secretary-General Visits Indonesia
Former Deputy of Turkmenistan Receives Political Asylum

IRLA Secretary-General Visits Indonesia
By Viola Hughes
March 27, 2002

Silver Spring, MD ... While visiting Indonesia on March 6-12, 2002, Dr. John Graz, secretary-general for the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA), spent time lecturing and meeting with religious leaders and believers. "The main factor contributing to religious conflict in Indonesia is political, although other factors such as religion, race and economics have played a part," says Graz.

In the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia's more than 228 million citizens are made up of 88 percent Muslims, 3 percent Roman Catholics, 5 percent Protestants, 2 percent Hindus, 1 percent Buddhist, and 1 percent other. Since its independence from the Netherlands in 1949, the largest challenge for Indonesia is the reinforcement of the democratic institutions. During this transitional period, many groups have had the opportunity to impose their own agenda, which could be ethnical, political or religious. In some parts of the country, such as Ambon Island, violence of extremist Muslims contributed to the radicalization of the Christians. Believers from both sides suffered severely.

"Christians in Indonesia, however, hope that their good relations with moderate Muslims will reinforce the general good wishes for peace. Even if Christian churches have to face more challenges to develop their future activities, they continue to hope. The majority of the citizens are opposed to the Shari'a law. For non-Muslims who believe they have a future in Indonesia, they know that forgiveness and reconciliation are the only ways to build a democratic country for all," Graz concluded.

Graz also visited several countries in Asia on his way to Manila in preparation for the World Congress on Religious Freedom that will take place June 10-13, 2002. On Thursday, March 22, an IRLA delegation met with Cardinal Sin inviting him to speak at the upcoming congress. Dr. Hiskia Missah, who was in attendance, stated that Cardinal Sin expressed interest in the work of the IRLA, and was happy that the Philippines was chosen for this important event.

Founded by the Adventist Church in 1893, the IRLA is a non-sectarian organization that promotes religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all people. For more information on IRLA, visit www.irla.org.

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Former Deputy of Turkmenistan Receives Political Asylum
By Viola Hughes
March 11, 2002

Washington, D.C. ...Appearing cautious but eloquent, a former deputy of the Turkmenistan government addressed panelists and delegates on Capitol Hill on March 7. The briefing on U.S. Policy in Central Asia and Human Rights Concerns was organized by the United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). The CSCE is an independent government agency that monitors religious freedom around the world and makes recommendations to the U.S. government on how to promote religious freedom.

The former deputy (name withheld for security reasons) was granted political asylum on March 4, 2002. "There is currently no government official in Turkmenistan who can positively influence President Saparmurad Niyazov," reported the former deputy, and "thus international pressure must continue."

"There is no political dissent within Turkmenistan as most political opponents to Niyazov are in exile or in prison, and the prisons are in no way like the prisons here in the U.S.," commented Dr. Rinat Akhmetshin from the International Eurasian Institute for Economic and Political Research. Dr. Akhmetshin says that organizations like the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA) can help by organizing letter-writing campaigns to their Congressperson, and speaking up on issues of human rights violations at high-level meetings such as the United Nations.

"We are deeply concerned and sad over the situation and will do all we can to continue to raise awareness of human rights violations going on in Turkmenistan. No doubt this issue will be addressed at the Human Rights Commission in Geneva at the end of March," assured Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, United Nations Liaison director for the International Religious Liberty Association.

Bordered by Afghanistan and Iran to the south and the Caspian Sea to the west, Turkmenistan only recognizes Sunni Muslims, which makes up 89 percent of the population, and Eastern Orthodox that totals about 9 percent. Many minority groups, including Adventists, have been harassed, arrested, imprisoned and tortured. In November 1999, the only Adventist Church in Ashgabat, the capital, was destroyed by the government. On December 21, Maryam Ismakayeva, an Adventist, was evicted from her apartment for holding meetings there and denied alternative accommodation.

Turkmenistan president Saparmurad Niyazov, a former Communist leader, took power in October 1990. In 1999 he arranged to be elected president for life, thus confirming his complete domination of government.

Chartered in 1893, the IRLA has promoted and defended religious freedom for 109 years. The IRLA, originally organized by leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is universal and non-sectarian, seeking to address religious freedom concerns for all faith communities. For more information about IRLA, visit www.irla.org.

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