HTI Condemns UN Silence on the Massacre of Muslim Minorities in the Central African Republic

HTI Press. Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) denounces  UN’s silence on the massacres committed by Christian militias against the Muslim minorities in Central Africa.  Despite the scorching sun, hundreds activists of HTI marched from the presidential palace to the representatives office of the United Nations on Friday (28/2) in Jakarta.

Under police guard, they peacefully staged a mass protest. Few moments after they arrived in front of the UN offices in Jakarta, the UN’s security guards opened the gate and let the delegation of HTI enter the office area.

However, in the middle of the entrance to the UN building, the delegation was prevented from entering the building by the Director of the UN Information Centre, Michele Zaccheo, his men and security guards. Surprised by the unfriendly welcome, the delegate had a strong argument with Michele’s men.

“Because there is no appointment and HTI brings the masses, the delegate is received outside of the building,” said Ade Faesal Siregar, one of  Michele’s men.

A little upset, HTI spokesman Muhammad Ismail Yusanto replied. “It is for the first time we are received this way, you are an Indonesian, tell him (Michele) that we have often staged protests to many places, many offices, many embassies, we always have been well received. This is the first time, we are received outside the building like this”..

Since there was agreement, the delegation then went back outside the office’s gates.

“It makes us more convincing to us all that we no longer trust the UN! Abolish the UN ! “cried Roni Ruslan, the secretary of HTI spokesman in front of the protesters.

The mass repeated the same phrase over and over: “Abolish, abolish, abolish the UN!”

The local police chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner Gunawan, said that they would lobby the UN to receive the delegation. Shortly afterwards, three delegates were admitted to an audience with one of the chief UN representatives in Indonesia, Mustafa Imir.

The journalist from Media Umat Tabloid, some policemen together with two “agents” were only accepted to the entrance of the meeting room. “I am a journalist, I want to make a report,” I said.

“No picture please, and just stand here,” said Ade, one of the security, while the policemen and the two agents were allowed to enter just a few steps into the meeting room. Then, Ade and the UN security stood as a guardrail.

Mustafa started his talk with an apology because they were received outside the building saying they just followed the procedure of the UN offices around the world.

Then he said: “The issue that you raise has become an international issue that we also pay attention to, not only by you but also by the countries around the world.”

Ismail also submitted the statement on the Massacre of Muslims in Central Africa. “This is the statement from Hizb ut-Tahrir, which basically condemns the UN’s silence on the massacre of Muslims in Central Africa!” he said.

Mustafa replied: “Yes, it will be forwarded to the central office. This is the procedure,  it is collected and then forwarded to the central office.” []