Indonesia: Police ban inter-faith gathering in Central Java after sectarian violence

Jakarta, Indonesia - Indonesian police barred 150 activists from various human rights and religious organisations from holding interreligous talks in Central Java's strife-hit Temanggung district on Friday.

A bloody attack against the minority Ahmadiya sect which claimed the lives of three of its members, broke out in the district on Sunday. The attack, which drew widespread condemnation, is under police investigation.

Temanggung police deputy chief Sabar Rahardjo said that the activists were not allowed to go ahead with their discussions because they had not obtained permits for the event.

Police earlier on Friday named eight suspects involved in the riots in Temanggung, Central Java, and five in the brutal killing of three Ahmadiyah followers in Cikeusik, Pandeglang, Banten.

Besides the deadly mob violence against Ahmadi members in Pandeglang, Banten on Sunday, there were also attacks against three churches in Temanggung district following a blasphemy trial.