Three Christians, who were on death row for conviction of triggering a mob into a sectarian violence in 2000, have requested clemency for the second time to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, presidential spokesman Andi Malarangeng said here Tuesday.

Indonesia has delayed the execution of Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus Da Silva and Marinus Riwu from Aug. 12 to after independence day on Aug. 17, although all preparations for it had been made.

"I have received a letter, then I submitted it to the State Secretary Minister," Malaranggeng told Xinhua. When asked whether the letter about the request for a clemency he said "yes for such kind of request."

Vatican State Secretary Cardinal Angelo Sodano has sent a telegram to President Susilo protesting the execution, shortly before the execution was to be carried out.

The three men were charged with the implication in a sectarian clashes in 2000 in Palu of Central Sulawesi province.

From 1999 to 2000 in Maluku province, near Palu, over 2000 people weer killed in a sectarian clashes between Muslim and Christians before the peace accord achieved.

Source: Xinhua