APSN | FPI leader calls for Ahok's arrest, plans another protest rally for December

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FPI leader calls for Ahok's arrest, plans another protest rally for December

Jakarta Globe - November 18, 2016

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Jakarta – The National Fatwa Guard Movement of the Indonesia Ulema Council, or GNPF-MUI, has called for the immediate arrest of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who was declared a suspect in a blasphemy case.

The organization indicated that it is planning to stage another mass protest rally against the governor on Dec. 2, if its demand is not met.

In a statement issued on Friday (18/11), the GNPF-MUI demands that Ahok should be arrested because he may leave the country, despite a travel ban imposed on him.

The organization also claims that Ahok may interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence, including the official recording equipment under his control as governor.

The statement was signed by Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Habib Rizieq Shihab, in his capacity as GNPF-MUI advisory chairman, Abdur Rosyid A.S. (advisor), Bachtiar Nasir (GNPF-MUI chairman) and Muhammad Al Khaththath, M. Zaitun Rasmin, Misbahul Anam and Munarman.

President Jokowi also accused of blasphemy

Meanwhile, Rizieq also accused President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo of having committed blasphemy against the ulemas during the previous protest rally, which descended into violence.

"After receiving advice and inputs from all ulemas and religious and nationalist figures, the GNPF concluded that Mr. President committed blasphemy against the ulemas," Rizieq said on Friday.

He said the president abandoned the ulemas during the protest by refusing to meet with them, and allowed the security forces to repress the protesters.

"They were not disbanding the protest; it was a slaughter of Muslims," Rizieq said, referring to the police using tear gas, rubber bullets and batons to disperse rioters.

The GNPF-MUI has reported the president to the House of Representatives for blasphemy and called on a special committee to investigate the matter. "It should be done because it is a serious violation. Blasphemy against the ulema is a serious matter," Rizieq said.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/fpi-leader-calls-ahoks-arrest-plans-another-protest-rally-december/.