POSO, Indonesia — One of three Muslim extremists on trial for beheading three Christian teenagers in Poso, Indonesia, in October 2005 has admitted his role in the attacks. A group of machete-wielding men ambushed Theresia Morangke, 15; Alfita Poliwo, 17; Yarni Sambue, 15; and Noviana Malewa, 15, on the morning of Oct. 29 as they walked to their Christian school.
The first three girls died instantly; Malewa received serious injuries to her face and neck but survived the attack. Known by his single name of Hasanuddin, the defendant has admitted planning the murders as a "gift" to celebrate Idul Fitri, a festival marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. On Nov. 20, the parents of the slain girls met with the defendants and one mother said she was ready to pardon them. The families embraced the terrorists and shook hands as a sign of peace.
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