[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AHMADIYYA-INDONESIA

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the men and women of the Ahmadiyya 
Muslim community are peaceful followers of Islam. Ahmadis around the 
world work tirelessly to counter violent extremist propaganda and 
defend their religion against terrorists. But for years they have 
suffered systematic oppression, ruthless attacks, and false 
imprisonment.
  Since 2008, the Ahmadiyya community has been the subject of deadly 
attacks from militant Islamists in Indonesia simply because they have 
different beliefs. Following a Presidential decree ordering the 
Ahmadiyya community to ``stop spreading interpretations and activities 
that deviate from the principal teachings of Islam,'' Ahmadis in 
Indonesia have faced escalating threats of violence.
  In the most recent attack on Bangka Island, top elected officials 
told the Ahmadiyya community that they must convert to Sunni Islam or 
be forcibly removed from the island. This campaign of intolerance was 
compounded by letters warning that Bangka residents ``won't want to be 
held accountable if ugly things happen'' should the Ahmadiyya refuse to 
leave. The government followed through on these expulsions and on 
February 5th eleven Ahmadis were forced to leave their families and 
homes. Nine other victims remained behind and are currently living at 
the Ahmadiyya Secretariat Office, unable to return to their homes out 
of fear.
  The rights of all Indonesian citizens, regardless of their religious 
beliefs, should be protected. The right to worship is not a right 
granted by man but by our Creator. And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________